Crystal Palace finished six points above the relegation zone last season and while they were successful in the Conference League, the Eagles will have loftier expectations domestically this time round. Oliver Glasner has left his post to join Nottingham Forest and so Pierre Sage has come in to steer Palace in a new direction.
The former Lyon and Lens manager is still finding his feet in the world of management and his appointment is a riskier one than some Palace fans would have liked. Will it pay off or will Palace struggle this season? Nathan Joyes investigates the appointment, their current squad and what they can achieve in the Premier League.
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Team analysis
Last season was bittersweet for Crystal Palace. A Conference League trophy was clearly the highlight but key players left and their manager has joined those - now moving to new rivals Nottingham Forest.
And so a mini re-build job is underway with Pierre Sage leading the charge - but who is he? The Frenchman was awarded the Lyon job back in January 2024 on an interim basis, but after guiding his team to the Europa League, his contract was extended. However, a series of poor results saw him given the boot exactly one year after stepping into the manager's role.
In 2025, he was given his second opportunity in management with Lens, where he guided them to their first ever Coupe de France title, and off the back of that success, Palace have given the 47-year-old a chance to try and replicate that success overseas.
There's no doubt his task will be difficult. Palace largely struggled in the league last campaign and since they have sold more players during the off-season.
Two senior players have left the club since he walked through the door for almost a combined £85m. Maxence Lacroix has joined Chelsea while Brennan Johnson's move, which hasn't worked out since joining from Spurs, has ended up at Everton for £25m. Johnson made 18 appearances for the Eagles last term but failed to score a single goal in the Premier League, and Palace have chosen to cash in on him.
The money has already been spent in what appears to be a straight swap deal that has seen Dwight McNeil go the other way. The 26-year-old also failed to fire last season but previously contributed a combined 10 goals and assists in just 21 appearances in the 24/25 season, and Palace will be hoping their trade off works in their favour.
Their other major signing sees Union SG's Anan Khalaili join for £20m. The forward scored three goals in Belgium last campaign, but Palace have seen something within the 21-year-old who can develop his game at Selhurst Park and be amongst the goals as his game hopefully improves a level or two.
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Key players
Despite several players leaving the club over the last 12 months, Palace still have a number of players they can count on. Jean-Philippe Mateta remains at the club, and the 29-year-old who scored 12 Premier League goals last campaign will be crucial once more in their battle for survival.
Elsewhere, the incredibly talented 22-year-old Adam Wharton continues to develop his trade with the Eagles, despite the amount of interest around the player for quite some time. Perhaps the fact he didn't end up being selected for England's World Cup squad meant he will extend his stay at Palace a little longer.
If Mateta isn't amongst the goals Palace will be hoping last year's signing Jorgen Larsen can improve on his three goals in 14 appearances having previously impressed with Wolves. The 26-year-old scored 14 in 35 appearances back in 24/25 and has plenty to offer at this level.
A player that may spring a surprise this season is Matheus Franca. Since joining from Flamengo, his minutes have been limited due to ongoing injuries, but the 22-year-old has scored four goals in pre-season and has looked rather sharp.
Season prediction
Crystal Palace are 6/1 to be relegated, indicating that they will have too much class to be dragged into another relegation scrap. Much will depend on how well their new head coach takes to a different league, who will still hope to bring in a few fresh faces before the window shuts.
They are, however, as short as 1/3 to finish 11th or below and it's hard to argue with those odds - albeit slightly too short to take. Palace are set to endure a difficult season with their current crop, and if a player like Mateta is out for a while, their 6/1 price on relegation will automatically be cut in half.
However, the Frenchman is 6/4 to be Palace's top goalscorer, with Larsen his closest competition at 2/1. However, Mateta is proven at this level and if he reaches double digits, then we are likely to be able to cash this bet in. Back Mateta to be Palace's top goalscorer, but don't expect them to finish above 11th.
