A look at how Crystal Palace could shape up in the 2015-16 season

As Crystal Palace continue their preparations for the 2015-16 Premier League campaign, Outside90’s Rob Officer takes a look at what could potentially be their starting lineup come 8 August.

The Eagles face Norwich City at Carrow Road in the season opener and with the transfer period set to end on the 1st of September (usually 31st August, however, this is a Sunday and transfer deadline day must be a working day) fans are hoping some of the names linked with the club sign the dotted line.

The names of players already landed at Selhurst Park this year are impressive, with the club acquiring the services of Yohan Cabaye from PSG for a record £12.8m. Also confirmed for Palace is Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford on a season-long loan deal and it is believed a £3.5m offer to secure Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is a matter of completing the formalities. McCarthy is seeking more opportunity, having been number two to Robert Green at the Rs.

“It’s been a frustrating season for me this season (2014-15) not playing as much as I wanted to, having played last season, so we’ll have to address it at the end of the season,” McCarthy said during his last campaign with QPR.

So how could Palace look if they secure their transfer targets?

Goalkeeper – Julian Speroni

A fan favourite at Selhurst Park, Speroni has proven his value in goal. The Argentine has made 377 appearances in all competitions for Palace, although some competition for the number one spot could put pressure on the 36-year-old.

Right-back – Joel Ward

Ward has been a consistent starter for Palace under both Tony Pulis and current manager Alan Pardew. It is expected he will remain the preferred right-back.

Centre-back – Scott Dann

The 6’5’’ defender has spent the last six seasons between three different clubs (Palace, Blackburn and Birmingham) and will be looking to remain one of the starting centre-backs in the Eagles team. He made 37 appearances last season and scored four goals, earning the mantle of Palace’s player of the year.

Centre-back – Damien Delaney

Delaney made 32 appearances for Palace last season despite hot competition from Brede Hangeland, who signed a one-year extension in June. Both players are 34 and potentially playing for their careers.

Left-back – Martin Kelly

Former Liverpudlian Kelly suffered numerous injuries and setbacks at his former club and was given the chance to live up to his potential at Palace. He made 34 appearances last season and will be in direct competition with 25-year-old Pape Souare.

Centre-midfield – Mile Jedinak

Despite only 24 appearances last season, the Palace and Socceroos captain scored five goals including the Eagles’ goal of the year award for his free kick against Liverpool. Jedinak missed games due to the Asian Cup and suspension last season and despite speculation of an exit from Selhurst, it is believed he will remain at the club.

Right-wing – Wilfried Zaha

Zaha was a regular for Palace with 35 appearances and four goals. The young winger was an exciting addition for fans after returning to the club from stints at Cardiff City and Manchester United.

Centre-midfield – Yohan Cabaye

After making the move to Palace to keep his international selection a possibility, the French midfielder made his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Union Berlin. Cabaye is now the Eagles’ transfer record purchase so the pressure is on to show the fans and the Premier League what he can offer.

Left-wing – Yannick Bolasie

Signed from Bristol City in 2012, Bolasie became a key part of Palace’s fight for survival, which resulted in the club’s progression to mid-table. Bolasie faces competition in the midfield but is likely to remain a normal fixture with his mesmerising pace.

Striker – Glenn Murray

The 31-year-old may not be the first choice striker in many teams, but he netted seven goals in 20 appearances for his club last year with nine of them coming as a substitution. Competition will be hot for the striking spots.

Striker – Dwight Gayle

Despite being the ‘super sub’ last season with 14 goals off the bench and a total of 29 in all competitions, Gayle poses the biggest threat up front. His 10 goals will be vital for Palace, but as mentioned previously, there will be hot competition for the striker role.

Substitutes

Goalkeeper – Alex McCarthy

As Tony Pulis looks to lure Palace number two goal keeper Wayne Hennessey to West Bromwich Albion, McCarthy looks to be the expected immediate replacement and will challenge Speroni for the starting position.

Striker – Fraizer Campbell

Campbell has proven his ability and will be one of the players pushing for selection up front. He scored five goals in 22 appearances last season.

Striker – Marouane Chamakh

The 31-year-old Moroccan struggled with injury last season but still managed four goals from 20 appearances. Some fans would say they believe he has not lived up to his potential.

Centre-midfield – Jordon Mutch

The former Birmingham City youth product impressed at Cardiff before their relegation and was purchased from QPR by Tony Pulis. The 23-year-old has a lot to offer and will be key to Palace’s success.

Left-back – Pape Souare

Souare will be in direct competition with Kelly for the left-back position. Both players are the same age and will be doing everything they can to be noticed.

Centre-back – Brede Hangeland

The Norwegian recently signed a new one-year deal, but he and Delaney’s futures will depend on potential moves in the current transfer window.

Centre-midfield – Jason Puncheon

He may be unlucky in missing out on a starting position thanks to the transfer of Cabaye, but Puncheon can always have an impact as either a starter or coming off the bench.

Central-midfield – James McArthur

McArthur was a deadline day purchase in 2014 from Wigan and made 33 appearances last season, scoring two goals. A vital player for Palace and would be expected to play more often than not.

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Other players likely to be in the mix for selection include Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford who can play at attacking midfield or as a central striker.

Joe Ledley is a midfielder that will be in contention for selection. Competition with Mutch is expected, but Ledley is proven to be a good option in the Palace team.

Pardew and Palace do not look finished in the market, however. There have been many reports of Palace targeting a known striker and not one, but two central defenders.

It is not yet confirmed but contact has been made between Chelsea and Crystal Palace for the sale of Loic Remy. The striker, who failed a medical at Liverpool, was snapped up by Chelsea last year and with the arrival of Radamel Falcao at Stamford Bridge, Remy may fancy a move to Selhurst Park.

Palace are reportedly seeking a loan deal for Kurt Zouma, also of Chelsea. The defender played 17 games for the champions last season and a loan move to Palace seems to depend on whether or not Chelsea can secure Everton defender John Stones.

Finally, interest has been shown by Palace in Swansea and Wales captain Ashley Williams. Desperate to find a long-term centre back combination, the Eagles have looked to Williams with a bid of approximately £10m, which is expected to be rejected by Swansea.

Should Palace secure the names the papers report they are interested in, one would argue that a strong case is being made for the club to be on the brink of pushing for a Europa League position in what promises to be a promising campaign for he Eagles.

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