The position envisaged by the Guardian writers: 10th (Note: This is not necessarily Ed Aarons' prediction, but rather the average of our writers' picks.)
Last season's position: 10th
Perspectives
The style that Oliver Glasner's exciting team showed as they closed last season with six wins from their last seven games, including a memorable one 4-0 win over Manchester United – left Crystal Palace supporters desperate for more. Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze were the stars of a side that scored 16 goals in their last four games at Selhurst Park as Palace ended up equalling their highest ever Premier League finish of 10th and finishing above Brighton despite a 4-1 defeat against their rivals in the dark depths of February, a couple of weeks before Roy Hodgson's departure.
Unfortunately for Palace – as Brighton fans can attest – success makes them vulnerable. Bayern Munich wanted Glasner as manager before Olise's signing for a fee of up to £50m, and Glasner faces the prospect of losing at least one other key player. Newcastle are Increasingly optimistic about Marc Guéhi's signingwhose reputation was enhanced by his performances for England at Euro 2024, and Eze has attracted interest from Manchester City and Tottenham.
If Palace can retain either of the two, Glasner will have the chance to improve on last season's result with a team that should suit his innovative 3-4-2-1 formation well. New arrival Chadi Riad will provide cover in defence, and Daichi Kamada, who worked with Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt when they were won the Europa League In 2022, Ismaïla Sarr, signed by Marseille, should replace Olise to a certain extent.
Whether Palace can move further up the table may depend on young England star Adam Wharton resuming the role he left in central midfield and the form of last season's goalscoring sensation Jean-Philippe Mateta after leading France's attack at the Olympics.