11th Aug 2013 | Football
Crystal Palace 2013-14 Preview
The Eagles have never avoided relegation in four previous seasons in the Premier League.
Best odds to be relegated: 4/7 (Coral)
Last season: 5th (Championship)
Reasons for hope:
Ian Holloway has the experience to call upon of nearly keeping Blackpool in the top flight three seasons ago. Team spirit shouldn’t be lacking either given that these players were fancied considerably more for relegation from the Championship than promotion to the Premier League less than 12 months ago. Could be under-estimated.
Possible bet: Palace to stay up - 13/8 (StanJames)
Reasons to worry:
Plentiful. The play-off winners would already have looked the weakest of the promoted sides even without Wilfried Zaha leaving for Old Trafford. Couple that with 30-goal striker Glenn Murray being set to miss at least half the season with injury and staying up looks like it would be nothing short of miraculous.
Possible bet: Palace to finish bottom - 13/5 (Coral)
Verdict:
The Eagles will need Spain U-20 captain Jose Campana to settle quickly and make a real impact in midfield. Regardless, the odds are stacked against these new boys surviving.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 19:09 11th Aug, 2013 but subject to change
