Crystal Palace hired Sam Allardyce to save them from relegation last season, it worked, but Big Sam has now left and in his place stands Frank De Boer. Frank De Boer achieved great success when managing Ajax but his time at Inter Milan was nothing short of disastrous so it’ll be intriguing to see how he adapts to the Premier League and how his squad shapes up and affects our draft leagues.

Goalkeepers

Steve Mandanda has now left Crystal Palace which leaves Wayne Hennessey as the number 1 keeper and unchallenged for the position it would seem. Crystal Palace have been fairly quiet on the transfer front in regard to incoming players so while De Boer may think about bringing another keeper in, as of writing this piece, Hennessey will offer you a reliable points scorer between the sticks.

It’s very much the Burnley rule for Wayne Hennessey as Crystal Palace will be under attack a fair amount, therefore Wayne Hennessey should rack up the bonus points for saves. He’s a good option to have as a keeper if you find yourself at a loose end. I would say that he’ll be drafted in the middle rounds (6-10). If you pick up Hennessey, even as a 2nd keeper, then you could well be keeping some vfital points out of your opponent’s hands.

See More: Brighton and Hove Albion FPL Draft Overview

Defenders

Crystal Palace does offer us some solid point scoring defenders as well. Maybe it’s the hangover of knowing the old Crystal Palace in the Premier League, but I did see them as cannon fodder for the other clubs still but it’s just not that true anymore. Joel Ward, Scott Dann & James Tomkins will all offer your team something, Dann and Tomkins especially as you can count on them to get some precious defender goals.

Patrick van Aanholt however. Here’s the Crystal Palace defender that you should try and pick up before any others. The left back has a great tendency to get forward and score some great goals as well as claiming some assists and he’s already been waxing lyrical about new boss Frank De Boer so expect some great performances out of him this season.

As far as when to draft goes, van Aanholt, I would say…aim for the 6th/7th round while the others should still be around by the 9th/10th rounds.

Midfielders

When assessing Crystal Palace’s strengths and weaknesses, their midfield is easily one of their biggest strengths, especially when it comes to those oh so vital points for us draft managers.

First up, Wilfried Zaha. That one disastrous season on the books at Man Utd did seem to set him back but as last season proved, he’s starting to live up to potential. 7 goals and 11 assists last season and he’s only getting better. He may have signed a new 5-year contract but this will surely be his final year at Palace if his performances continue to improve. While he still won’t be the first-choice pick for many, expect him to be the 2nd midfielder picked up and therefore probably gone by round 5 or 6.

Crystal Palace doesn’t offer us a one-man midfield though, Andros Townsend on his day can pull off some world class performances. The problem with Townsend is that he runs very hot and cold, he’ll go in during the draft but as to when it’s hard to say. The gambler in your league may go in quite quick for him if other options aren’t available but be prepared that he may just be a good pick up near the end of your drafts. The same could be said for Jason Puncheon but I do foresee him being available to pick up on the free once the drafts end.

Yohan Cabaye could also come good for you but it is also a gamble on Crystal Palace winning enough free-kicks or penalties and James McArthur ended last season on some really good form but again, I can see these players still being available once the draft ends.

See More: Arsenal FPL Draft Overview

Forwards

I always feel a bit bad about saying this but Crystal Palace really is a 1 man strike force and based on latest rumours, it’s not even 100% that he’s staying. I am of course on about Connor Wickham…

I joke, it’s Christian Benteke of course. 15 goals last season and the main focal point of the attack. I do think that Palace will buy some better backup for the upfront positions still this summer but Frank De Boer does enjoy playing with a focal attacker up top so if he stays then Benteke should have another strong season.

As you would have guessed by now reading these pieces, I’m an advocate for the early striker signings. I see Benteke being gone by the 5th round, he may not be a first-choice striker for many but it’d be remiss of you to overlook him.

Wildcard

Ruben Loftus-Cheek gets the award for me. His move to Crystal Palace from Chelsea is exactly what he needed, it’s a move that will benefit him and Crystal Palace. In the games he managed to get onto the pitch for Chelsea he’s shown that he’s a talent. This season really is his season to show his worth, like I said before, it’s a move that benefits him and Crystal Palace but it could also benefit you and your draft fantasy team.

Conclusion

Crystal Palace offers us draft managers some good options. van Aanholt could end up as one of the higher scoring defenders this season, Zaha and Townsend in midfield should rack up the points as well, while Benteke (if he stays), should be aiming to average a goal every other game.