The Premier League is back and it’s back with a bang as Crystal Palace kick off their season with a home game against West Bromwich Albion, a team managed by their former manager Tony Pulis. The Eagles will be keen to get one over the Welsh manager who left in controversial circumstances.
The last season was a strange one for them and that’s Alan Pardew for you. You simply cannot expect anything from him and just when you do not, he will provide you with the biggest surprise. The Eagles will be looking for a similar flying start like they had the last term but they have to hold onto it this time.
A strong start of the season is what Crystal Palace need to boost their confidence. An assault on the European places is not beyond the Eagles but reaching the 40-point mark as soon as possible will still remain the priority.
Here is the predicted Crystal Palace lineup for their opening game of the season.
Defence
Despite the arrival of French international Steve Mandanda, Welsh international Wayne Hennessey is likely to start between the sticks in the first game of the season. Newly assigned Crystal Palace skipper Scott Dann is an obvious choice at the heart of the defence. Damien Delaney will partner the Englishman as summer signing James Tomkins is still working on his comeback from a muscle injury. Joel Ward and Pape Souare will start in the two full-back positions.
Midfield
Even though Mile Jedinak lost his armband to Scott Dann, the Aussie is still vying for a starting berth in the middle of the park as James McArthur will miss the game with a knee injury. French midfield maestro Yohan Cabaye will start alongside Jedinak in the middle of the park.
Summer signing from Newcastle United, Andros Townsend, will definitely start the game on the right flank. The 25-year-old, since joining the Magpies from Spurs in January, had an impressing run in the Premier League but failed to inspire the Tynesiders to stay in the top tier. He will be looking to have a fresh new start to his career at Selhurst Park. Wilfred Zaha is likely to start on the left flank while Jason Puncheon is likely to start as the number ten.
Attack
It’s not even a contest between Connor Wickham and Fraizer Campbell for a starting spot. Wickham will spearhead the attack against West Brom but Pardew has to ensure that he can bring at least one new forward in the remainder of the transfer window.
