Our prediction: 16th
Expected finish: 12th–17th
Transfer window rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆ (6/10)
Biggest question
Can Pierre Sage successfully take over from Oliver Glasner while Palace balance Premier League football with another European campaign?
Why we have Crystal Palace in 16th
Crystal Palace enter 2026/27 in a fascinating position. The club has just enjoyed arguably the greatest two-year period in its history, winning the FA Cup in 2025 before beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to win the Conference League last season. But that European triumph also marked the end of Oliver Glasner’s hugely successful spell at Selhurst Park.
His replacement is Pierre Sage, who arrives after an outstanding season with Lens in which he finished second in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France. His reputation is excellent, but this is still his first experience of English football.
That transition is one reason we are cautious. There has also been significant movement in the squad. Maxence Lacroix has gone, while Brennan Johnson has joined Everton. Palace have responded by bringing in Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer and Dwight McNeil from Everton, with Anan Khalaili subsequently added to Sage’s attacking options.
There is still plenty of quality here. Ismaïla Sarr is coming off an outstanding campaign in which he scored 21 times in all competitions, while Jean-Philippe Mateta, Adam Wharton and Daniel Muñoz give Palace established Premier League quality through the spine of the team.
But Palace are also entering the Europa League as Conference League holders, and that significantly changes the demands on the squad.
Our 16th-place prediction is therefore less about expecting Palace to suddenly become a poor side and more about anticipating a difficult transitional season.
Key transfers
In: Oscar Mingueza, Dwight McNeil, Anan Khalaili.
Out: Maxence Lacroix, Brennan Johnson.
Mingueza could prove particularly important following Lacroix’s departure. He gives Sage a technically strong and tactically flexible defender, something that should suit a coach who has continued using a back three during pre-season.
McNeil is another sensible addition. He already knows the Premier League, provides excellent delivery from wide positions and should give Palace another creative route when opponents sit deep.
Khalaili is the more intriguing gamble. The Israeli international adds another direct attacking option and increases the competition in wide areas.
Losing Brennan Johnson reduces the team’s pace and goal threat, however, while Lacroix had become an important part of the defence under Glasner.
Strengths
- Excellent attacking options
- Dangerous wing-backs
- Strong individual quality through the spine
- Recent experience of winning major matches
Palace have players capable of hurting almost anyone. Sarr’s 21-goal campaign demonstrated just how devastating he can be when given space, while Mateta provides a powerful focal point through the middle. Jørgen Strand Larsen gives them another substantial centre-forward option.
Muñoz remains one of the most dangerous attacking defenders in the division, and Sage’s preference for a back three should continue to give him considerable freedom to attack from wing-back.
There is also something to be said for the mentality within this group. Winning the FA Cup and Conference League in successive seasons means these players now know they can perform when the pressure is greatest.
AdvertisementWeaknesses
- Major managerial transition
- Europa League schedule could stretch the squad
- Defensive changes following Lacroix’s departure
- Risk of becoming too dependent on Sarr and Mateta for goals
The biggest unknown is Sage. His work in France was exceptional, but following Glasner is not an easy assignment. Palace had developed a very clear identity under the Austrian, and changing coach immediately after the most successful period in the club’s history carries obvious risk.
The European schedule is another concern. Palace will compete in the Europa League this season, meaning Thursday-Sunday turnarounds and significantly more travel.
There are already some early warning signs. Palace lost their opening Premier League match 2-0 at Everton, while Chadi Riad was forced off injured during the second half.
One result should not be overinterpreted, but it illustrates how quickly the mood can change when a new manager is trying to establish his methods.
Key player
Ismaïla Sarr
After scoring 21 goals in all competitions last season, Sarr has become one of Palace’s most important attacking players. His speed makes Palace particularly dangerous in transition, but his development into a consistent goalscorer has made him much more than a counter-attacking weapon.
If Sarr produces anything close to last season’s numbers, Palace should have enough attacking quality to stay comfortably clear of trouble.
Player to watch
Adam Wharton
Wharton remains one of the most technically gifted players in the Palace squad. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, progress possession and dictate the tempo will be particularly important as Sage attempts to put his own stamp on the team.
If Palace are to become more comfortable controlling matches rather than relying predominantly on transitions, Wharton should be central to that evolution.
What they still need
Another centre-back would make sense before the window closes. Lacroix’s departure has altered the defensive structure, while Riad’s injury in the opening match provides another reminder of why depth will be essential across a season involving both domestic and European football.
An additional central midfielder would also help. Palace have quality in that area, but the Europa League schedule will make rotation unavoidable.
The transfer window remains open until 1 September, so there is still time to strengthen.
Verdict
There is a strange contradiction surrounding Palace. This is a club coming off consecutive trophy-winning seasons, possessing several excellent Premier League players and preparing for another European campaign. On pure ability, they look capable of finishing considerably higher than 16th.
But this season represents a reset. Glasner has gone, Sage must establish himself in English football, important personnel have changed and Palace must simultaneously deal with the demands of the Europa League.
We do not expect them to be relegated. There is simply too much individual quality in this squad for that to be our most likely outcome.
What we can envisage is an inconsistent domestic season in which impressive performances are mixed with frustrating results, particularly around European fixtures. That leaves Palace lower in our table than their talent alone might suggest.
Our prediction: 16th.