Dec 14

Crystal Palace - Team & Player Guide 2015/16 - Fantasy Premier League Tips

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We're teaming up with knowledgeable fans ahead of the 2015/2016 Fantasy Premier League season to get some tips on their players potential, starting lineups, transfers and much more. This article will focus on Crystal Palace, this season will be the first full season in charge for Alan Pardew and he will be hoping to lead them to a top 10 finish. Eagles fan Nick Meredith has provided us with his expert insight in to the club and hopefully his predictions and player analysis will help you choose which Crystal Palace players should make your FPL teams. Nick will also be at hand to answer any of your Crystal Palace related questions in the comments section. Without further ado, here's our Crystal Palace team guide and player tips for the 2015/16 season.

OPENING FIXTURES

Norwich (A) Arsenal (H) Aston Villa (H) Chelsea (A) Manchester City (H)

SET PIECE TAKERS

Penalties: Mile Jedinak, Glenn Murray Freekicks: Mile Jedinak, Jason Puncheon Corners: Jason Puncheon, Yannick Bolasie

TRANSFER TARGETS

Striker - Dame N'Doye (Transfer rumour) Charlie Austin (Transfer rumour)

PREDICTED LINEUP

Speroni Ward Dann Delaney Souare Cabaye Jedinak Zaha Puncheon Bolasie Murray

CRYSTAL PALACE'S DEFENSIVE RECORD

The Eagles conceded 51 goals last season, the second highest in the top 10 behind Tottenham. They were also leaky at Selhurt Park conceding 24 in front of their home fans, without a doubt this is something Alan Pardew will look to address although he isn't known for his defensive stubbornness. Their number one keeper Julian Speroni only kept 6 clean sheets last year which correlates to very little FPL points. If you are considering a Palace defender, take this into account.

GOALKEEPER ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]Julian Speroni (4.5m) - It seems like Speroni has been at Selhurst Park forever and he is very much a fan favourite, however he does not convince us just yet as a pick. He offers a cheap back up behind a reasonably good defence, but there were times last year where his age was beginning to show and his clean sheet record displays that.[/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] VERDICT: He's not an awful pick at all, but you'll have to watch him and be wary of any signs of him declining. Alex McCarthy (4.0m) - With Wayne Hennessey one foot out the door, McCarthy joins Palace from QPR and will be looking to challenge veteran Speroni for a place between the sticks. The 25-year-old keeper failed to make an impression on Rangers' Premier League campaign making just three appearances but it's popular belief that he'll be given more of a chance this season. VERDICT: If Pardew tightens up at the back and McCarthy establishes himself as Palace's number 1 then he'll be one of the best value for money keepers in FPL.

WHICH CRYSTAL PALACE DEFENDER SHOULD I PICK FOR MY FPL TEAM?

Scott Dann, he's rock at the back and has just signed a new five-year deal at the club which suggests he's guaranteed to be a starter next season. He scored 105 points last season and is a threat from set pieces. There are certainly better options out there for 5m but if you insist on having a Palace defender, Dann is your man!

DEFENDER ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]Scott Dann (5.0m) - One of Palace's best defenders and an absolute rock at the heart of the Palace defence. Although he offers some attacking returns, at 5.0m he's battling with the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Ashley Williams. VERDICT: If you want to have a Palace defender then Scott Dann is the most reliable pick, the 5.0m could be better spent though. [/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] Joel Ward (4.5m) - An interesting player at a very competitive price. He's versatile and has played both at left back and central midfield in the past two seasons. If he can replicate his 13/14 season he might crop up with the odd assist, but he looked a lot more defensive minded last season. VERDICT: Rarely gets injured but rarely gets goals or assists. Our second choice behind Dann if you're looking to save 0.5m. Pape Souare (4.5m) - Souare shows the qualities of an attacking left back but since starting his Palace career has struggled to adapt to the game. He finished strongly last season and should continue that form into this season. With Yannick Bolasie in front of him causing trouble and forcing double marking we could see Souare overlapping and creating chances. VERDICT: We wouldn't recommend him yet based on what we've seen. There are better options out there. Martin Kelly/Damien Delaney/Brede Hangeland/Adrian Mariappa/Ezekiel Fryers (4m-4.5m) - Martin Kelly offers versatility but isn't a guaranteed starter and doesn't offer much in the way of points � scoring 65 last season. Delaney is the same and at the age of 33 it could be a steep downward slope from here. Hangeland isn't a nailed on starter either and as a result we don't think he's worth the 4.5m. Marriappa is the same as Kelly, and you'd be mad to choose Fryers. VERDICT: We wouldn't recommend them.

WHICH CRYSTAL PALACE MIDFIELDER SHOULD I PICK FOR MY FPL TEAM?

It's a tough decision between Bolasie, Puncheon and Zaha. We'd recommend Puncheon over Bolasie. He's involved in a lot of their attacking moves and has the quality from set pieces to get a goal or assists. If Bolasie starts to score and provide on a regular basis then chuck him in, but at this moment in time, Puncheon is our shout.

MIDFIELDER ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]Jason Puncheon (6.0m) - Puncheon is incredibly influential for Palace and can play either behind the striker or on the wing. Since the arrival of Pardew he's arguably become Palace's best player and after scoring 100+ FPL points for the last three years he looks a reliable option. [/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] VERDICT: He's come into his own lately and is a great set piece taker (although the signing of Cabaye may relieve him of this role). If he can continue to produce his form from last year then he's great value at 6.0m. Yannick Bolasie (6.5m) - Bolasie is the most attention-grabbing Palace player and is likely to be their most popular midfielder, however, there are a number of things to consider before putting him in your team. Firstly he's inconsistent and won't be picking up points on a regular basis. He's also not the best of finishers and his points on FPL are highly dependant on what striker is playing. Having said that when he's on form, he's a real danger and with the addition of Cabaye in midfield, Bolasie can expect better quality service than last year. VERDICT: His price is competitive, with the likes of Navas, Deulofeu and Cabaye at the same price. His selection could reap huge benefits, but he's certainly a gamble. Yohan Cabaye (6.5m) - It would be a risk to put him into your team without seeing how he fits in to the Palace side although he'll undoubtedly bring lots of quality. You may remember him from his Newcastle days where his free kicks and corners were deadly, however he's not guaranteed this role as the quality of Puncheon's deliveries could see him continue. We don't believe he will be playing high enough up the pitch to pick up enough assists and goals though. VERDICT: For now, it's a no. Palace have a tricky opening schedule and isn't guaranteed to be on set pieces. We'd recommend placing him on your watch list then revaluate him after five or six games. Bakary Sako (5.5m) - Comes to Palace on a free transfer and had a fantastic season for Wolves last year where he scored 15 goals and assisted seven whilst playing as a winger. He's not affraid to beat his man or shoot but may struggle to push out Zaha or Bolasie from the team. VERDICT: Without a doubt one to keep your eye on as he is very talented, but we wouldn't risk him from the start of the season. Wilfreid Zaha (5.5m) - Zaha came back to Palace after a disappointing time at Manchester United and quickly recaptured the form that got him the move in the first place. Pardew reinstalled confidence into his game and brought him back to his best. Towards the end of last season he was one of Palace's most threatening players. VERDICT: Zaha is likely to start but he's an enigma, so it might be worth holding off but do keep an eye on him. Mile Jedinak (5.0m) - Club-captain Jedinak was a popular pick last season but he's very much a 2 points per game player. He is on penalties and get's a share of free kicks however, but 5.0m still seems a little steep. VERDICT: Avoid, although he's a good player he really isn't designed for FPL. Joe Ledley/James McArthur/Jordan Mutch/Lee Chung-Yong etc.(4.5m-5.0m) - McArthur is more or less a nailed on started and was arguably Palace's best player last year, however he doesn't get many goals or assists and Cabeye's arrival could hinder that even further. The same goes for Ledley. Mutch will see less game time but is one to watch if the others pick up injuries. As for Guedioura, Bannan and Williams it's probably best to avoid them all together. Lee Chung-Yong is an exciting player and has just recovered from a nasty injury; keep an eye out for him. VERDICT: Stay away for now, but just be aware of Chung-Yong.

WHICH CRYSTAL PALACE FORWARD SHOULD I PICK FOR MY FPL TEAM?

Currently, we'd be going for Glenn Murray, he's great in the air and isn't bad with his feet. The only problem is Palace have looked at bringing in a striker and if they do Murray will drop down the pecking order. He should be the focal point of the attack and the man who get's the goals, but for 6.0m you could do a lot better.

FORWARD ANALYSIS

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[/mks_one_half] [mks_one_half]Glenn Murray (6.0m) - The big man is loved at Selhurt Park and Pardew's faith in him has been rewarded with some big performances. His form towards the end of the season was strong but he is getting old. VERDICT: For 6.0m we wouldn't be tempted by him unless he picks up a bit of form and Palace have a good run of games. [/mks_one_half] [/mks_col] Patrick Bamford (6.0m) - Joining on loan from Chelsea, Bamford joins Palace with high expectations. He's scored goals everywhere he's been and Palace will be his biggest test yet before his long-term future at Chelsea is decided. Could replace Murray if he goes on a goalscoring run. VERDICT: He's another one to add the watch list. See how he does and if he can displace Murray, then he could be worth a pick. Connor Wickham (6.0m) - It's interesting that Wickham has been given such a high price tag. He scored five Premier League goals last year and hasn't really impressed since his move from Ipswich. He now joins Crystal Palace from Sunderland which man are questioning. Wickham certainly has the potential but isn't good enough just yet. VERDICT: Keep him on your watch list, Pardew seems to like him and could help him find his form. Dwight Gayle (5.5m) - Gayle has shown a lot of potential but is yet to develop into a proper striker. Everyone is still waiting for him to become the player we all thought he could be, but he's fallen down the pecking order recently. VERDICT: We'll be avoiding him, unless of course they play Liverpool. Fraizer Campbell (5.5m) - Puts in a shift and scores about 5 goals a season, not worth 5.5m at all. VERDICT: Please leave him alone. Marouane Chamakh (5.0m) - Chamakh hasn't had the best of times in the Premier League but has been a good option for Palace, that said he doesn't start enough and is very ineffective. VERDICT: Just stay away, for your own good.

OVERALL SUMMARY

The arrival of Alex McCarthy hangs Speroni's playing time in the balance and could see the birth of a new budget keeper (your time is up, Myhill). Although we won't be touching Palace defenders with a barge pole, if you insist we recommend the services of either Scott Dann (loves a good header) or Joel Ward (used to love a good assist). In the midfield it's a Bolasie vs Puncheon showdown and we're backing the latter. Puncheon has had three consistent season FPL-wise and is also on set-piece duties. Up top it'll be interesting to see how new-boy Patrick Bamford settles in the Premier League after a 'Player of the Season' performance at Middlesborough last year. Glenn Murray will be the main man in attack to begin with, but a sporadic red card or run of questionable performances could pave the way for the England U21 to have a Harry Kane-esque season.