Crystal Palace Season Prediction: Eagles Need Holloway's Flair To Fill Zaha Void

Last season

Championship: Play-Off winners

FA Cup: Third Round

League Cup: Second Round

Top Scorer: Glenn Murray (31)

Summer work

After scoring the winning penalty that thrust Crystal Palace back into the Premier League, 40-year-old Kevin Phillips earned himself a contract at Selhurst Park to help soften the blow of Glenn Murray's continued absence. He will be joined by former Peterborough frontman Dwight Gayle who possesses similar raw talents to those dotted around the Palace dressing room having risen through the divisions.

The south east London arrival of the Andalusican midfielder José Campaña has caused the biggest stir however with the Spain Under-20 captain likely to provide the refined technical touch in midfield. Jerome Thomas adds a much needed dose of Premier League experience while former Arsenal misfit Marouane Chamakh has also been handed a Premier League reprieve.

Manager - Ian Holloway

The infectiously enthusiastic Holloway has already captured the imagination of the Premier League audience during his previous spell in the top flight with Blackpool and can be expected to provide the same fervour for the game this time around. With a transfer budget virtually non-existent, much of Palace's hopes of surviving relegation rest on their inspirational manager.

Key Player - Julian Speroni

Having lost Wilfried Zaha to the bright lights of Manchester United and with the prolific Murray side-lined until January with a ligament injury, the club may turn to veteran goalkeeper Julian Speroni for inspiration on the pitch in the new season. Likely to be one of the busiest goalkeepers in the league, his unwavering consistency and influence over a young Palace side will be essential.

Mile Jedinak was behind a lot of Palace's impressive work while others grabbed the headlines last season and his experience and industry could prove key especially if he finds himself paired alongside the talented but untested Campaña.

Expectations

With the smallest transfer budget in the league combined with an unwanted history of having been relegated after one season of during their three previous returns to the top flight, it is difficult draw confidence from Palace's chances. The Eagles are expected to attack the opposition with all the verve and enthusiasm of Holloway's Blackpool side of three years ago, but valiant attempts often succumb to disappointment. If Palace go down, expect them to do it fighting with one or two surprises occurring along the way.

Prediction

No shortage of desire and spirit but the demands of the Premier League machine will likely be too much for Palace. 20<sup>th