Crystal Palace Premier League 2015-16 preview: Optimism runs high under Alan Pardew

Last season

Premier League: 10th

FA Cup: Fifth Round

League Cup: Third Round

Top Scorer: Dwight Gayle (10)

Summer's work

Alan Pardew has made some significant moves at Crystal Palace in his first summer as manager, and the capture of Yohan Cabaye from Paris Saint-Germain suggests the club are starting to move up in the world. Connor Wickham's move for a fee that could rise to £9m ($14m) has raised eyebrows among some, but the hotly tipped Patrick Bamford arriving on loan from Chelsea should provide goals. Alex McCarthy will serve as back-up for Julian Speroni after his move from QPR while winger Bacary Sako will look to challenge for a place in the starting line-up.

Dwight Gayle could be the most significant exit if he leaves for £10m, as reported in the Daily Mail, while Jerome Thomas and Shola Ameobi were among a handful of fringe players released. Yaya Sanogo also returned to Arsenal following last season's loan, but the club's best business will be to keep Yannick Bolasie on the books despite interest from Spurs.

Manager – Alan Pardew

Club legend Pardew received a hero's welcome on arrival at Selhurst Park in January and he did not disappoint in the final five months of the campaign. After replacing Neil Warnock, the former Newcastle boss guided the Eagles from the relegation zone to a 10<sup>th-place finish. Sanogo's arrival and Wilfried Zaha's permanent signing helped the cause but it was the improved style of play that really propelled Palace up the table, with unrivalled speed in attack causing opponents real problems. It is the manager's job to build on the optimism he created and make the club mid-table regulars rather than relegation candidates.

Key player – Yannick Bolasie

The Congolese winger was a revelation last season for Palace and there is nothing to suggest he cannot be even better this time around. With four goals and six assists to his name, the 26 year old improved his productivity without losing the unpredictability that leaves defenders wondering what exactly is going to happen when the ball's at his feet. Bolasie's ability to play either on the flank or as a lone striker also makes him a valuable asset on tricky away days for Pardew and he has the talent to build on his growing reputation at this club rather than for a rival.

Expectations

When Tony Pulis took over during the 2013-14 campaign, Palace appeared doomed for relegation. When Pardew took over a year later, the situation was similar if not quite as drastic. However, the 54 year old's achievements have seen expectations increase and the addition of Cabaye this summer has only added more optimism in south east London. If Pardew makes it to the opening day – unlike Pulis before him – then the top half could be calling once again.

IBT prediction – 9<sup>th

Times have changed for the better at Selhurst Park and Pardew can oversee a slight improvement on his efforts last time around. Fans will be (clap clap) glad all over.