Crystal Palace FPL Preview – New Era, New Optimism

This blog is written by Stephen, @FPL_EZE he finished 493rd in the World in the 20/21 FPL Season and as the Number 1 #CPFC FPL player in the world. He’s also written about his season and offered tips ~ FPL Season Review – How I became a Top 500 FPL Manager! | FPL Tips

Crystal Palace are currently going through the biggest changeover period in the club’s recent history. A new manager, new players and a new outlook mean Crystal Palace are the ones to watch this season. In this article, I will be diving into Patrick Vieira and his managerial style, the new signings at Palace, how pre-season has gone, who are the best FPL assets and my season predictions.

Before going further check out our FPL Individual Team Analysis series including Norwich City FPL Options for the 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League Season, Man City FPL Preview | Fixture Analysis, Pep Rotation, and Key FPL Assets, Team to Target for Initial Few GW’s – Everton | FPL 21/22 Season, Liverpool FPL Preview | Fixture Analysis And Key FPL Assets

Vieira’s Style of play

Patrick Vieira joins Palace with a solid, yet unspectacular managerial record. In the MLS Vieira took New York City FC to their first-ever playoff appearance. Despite losing in the semi-finals, this was seen as a huge success for Vieira. Every season at NYCFC Vieira improved their league position in a successful stint as manager. Vieira then took an upwards step to Nice in Ligue 1. Vieira led Nice to a 7th placed finish which gained them Europa League football, another impressive feat.

However, the following season Vieira left his role following a string of losses. Vieira usually sets up in a 4-3-3 formation. He likes his teams to press from the front, cut off passing lanes and win the ball back. However, he also likes his teams to drop back and be compact if the initial press isn’t successful. On the offensive side, Vieira likes building his attacks through the wide channels with the full-backs overlapping allowing the wingers to cut inside or get balls into the striker early. This system may suit Benteke and Zaha as they look to get Palace scoring goals.

Further Read: Five Tips to Have a Good 2021/22 FPL Season by Ryan(OR-274, 20/21)

Crystal Palace New Signings

Palace desperately needed to sign some players as over 7 first team players left the club at the expiration of their contracts. With an ageing squad, Palace looked a boring and compact side. Vieira has looked to change that, and Palace have signed young players with huge potential. Firstly, Michael Olise, the young player of the year in the Championship last season. A young attacker filled with talent and confidence that will make Palace a more exciting team to watch. Secondly, Marc Guehi was brought in on a 5-year deal from Chelsea. Another player who stood out in the Championship last season.

He is a player with bags of potential and is a real leader at the back so that can excite Palace fans. Palace also dipped into the loan market with the signing from Conor Gallagher on loan from Chelsea. Gallagher had a strong season as West Brom last year and with a year of Premier League experience under his belt, Gallagher will be looking to be a real star for Palace to force a way into Chelsea’s long-term plan. Lastly, Palace signed Joachim Andersen on a 5-year deal. Andersen was Fulham’s standout player last season and proved to be a real rock at the back. After having a successful Euro’s tournament with Denmark, Andersen will be looking to form a strong partnership with Guehi and make Palace a defensive force. There are more signings to come with Palace too so watch this space.

Further Read: Five Must Own FPL Assets for the First Four GW’s of the FPL Season

Crystal Palace Pre-season Run

Palace have had a solid but unspectacular pre-season campaign. Low scoring wins against Walsall and Ipswich. A 2-2 draw against Charlton but most importantly a 3-1 win against Reading. The Reading game was the most full-strength Palace side we have seen. Kouyate also got a first-half red card which made the game harder for Palace so to come out 3-1 winners will fill the side with confidence. With Gallagher, Olise and Andersen still to make an impact, there is still more to come from Palace.

Further Read: Check out our FPL Premium Midfielders (£10 Mil+) Analysis For 2021/22 Season, FPL Budget Midfielders (£5 – £6.5Mil) Analysis For 2021/22 Season Mid-Priced FPL Midfielders (£7 – £9.5 Mil) Analysis and Comparison Ahead Of 2021/22 Season in case you haven’t already. Here is also a link to all our FPL Midfielders and FPL position-wise player analysis blogs.

Crystal Palace FPL assets

Especially with the tough fixtures that Palace have at the start of the season, I think all Palace FPL assets are a ‘wait and see’. This tough fixture run will allow us FPL managers to see how Vieira likes to play and how the new signings have fit in. If there are encouraging signs, when the fixtures do swing in Palace’s favour there are definitely some exciting FPL options from Crystal Palace. If Andersen and Guehi can solidify the Palace defence then Guaita could be a brilliant FPL asset this year. Guaita always had the shot-stopping ability to be a brilliant FPL goalkeeper, but he didn’t have the clean sheet potential due to a weak defence.

However, with better defenders in front of him this season, I can see a big year for the Palace goalkeeper. At just 4.5 million, Guaita is one to keep an eye on. Another player that can benefit from a solid defence is Mitchell. At just 4.5 million, the Palace left-back faces no competition for places with Van Aanholt’s departure. Mitchell will also have more responsibility offensively as Vieira likes to have attacking fullbacks.

If Palace gets a good run of fixtures, then Mitchell could be a great FPL asset at both ends of the pitch. Last but definitely not least, Zaha. The Crystal Palace talisman. When Palace scores, Zaha is always involved, one of the best wingers in the league, Zaha is a handful for any defence. With the additions of Olise and Gallagher to play alongside Eze when fit, Zaha will have more space and freedom to attack. If Palace get a good run of momentum and Vieira gets them scoring goals, you can guarantee Zaha will be at the heart of it.

Crystal Palace 2021/22 League Prediction

A couple of months ago, many were thinking that Palace would struggle to stay in the Premier League this season. However, the signings and direction Palace are heading in has made many people change their minds. Palace are assembling a core of young talent that will only get better and I see Palace having a decent season. It may take a bit of time to all come together on the pitch, but Palace will come good. This season I predict that Palace will be happy with just avoiding relegation.

A year of getting used to Vieira’s style is necessary so just staying up will be seen as a success. Palace could easily have a strong season and if things come together quickly, I can see Palace surprising a few and pushing up the table towards that top half. Exciting times are ahead for all Palace fans!

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