Uncertainty over which European competition they will play in and a lack of summer recruitment has made for a less-than-ideal backdrop to the new season
Guardian writers’ predicted position: 14th (NB: this is not necessarily Ed Aarons’ prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 12th
Crystal Palace’s achievement of winning the club’s first major trophy by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final should have made it a summer to savour for supporters. Instead, it has been spent nervously awaiting news over which European competition the team will play in after Uefa eventually said Palace had breached its rules on multi-club ownership.
Palace’s fate is still yet to be resolved as they prepare for their appeal against demotion to the Conference League at the court of arbitration for sport, with a decision expected on Monday. At least that will finally provide clarity as the club attempt to build on last season’s success, although a lack of signings is an indication of the effect such uncertainty has had on their planning. The Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benítez and Croatia defender Borna Sosa have been the only additions to Oliver Glasner’s squad and the Austrian manager admitted during Palace’s pre-season tour last week that he was “promised more”.
