If you follow the Eagles, you know the last few weeks have been a whirlwind. The biggest story was the Transfer Deadline Day frenzy that saw big money move across the league. For Palace, the headline was the sale of Eberechi Eze and the battle to keep defender Marc Guéhi.
Eze’s exit to a rival club left a noticeable hole in the attacking midfield. He was a creator who could unlock tight defenses, and his departure means the manager has to shuffle the midfield roles. On the upside, keeping Guéhi gives the back line some stability. The French centre‑back was linked with a move away, but Palace managed to hold on, meaning the team still has a reliable defender to lead the line.
The deadline day numbers were huge for the whole league – £2.51bn spent in total – but Palace’s activity was modest compared with the big spenders. While Arsenal splashed cash on several forwards, Palace focused on retaining key pieces rather than splurging. The club’s approach reflects the tight budget and the need to build a cohesive unit.
Besides Eze, a few fringe players also left on free transfers, freeing up wage space. The biggest question now is who will fill the creative role. Young academy graduates are being given a chance, and a couple of loan signings are expected to arrive before the season starts. The manager hinted at a possible loan for a wide‑midfielder who can stretch defenses and deliver crosses for the striker.
Defensively, holding onto Guéhi was crucial. He brings leadership and aerial strength. If he stays fit, Palace can rely on a solid core of two centre‑backs and a full‑back duo that’s comfortable pushing forward. The coaching staff has been working on a back‑three system in training, which could give them flexibility against different opponents.
The next few fixtures are key for the new Crystal Palace XI. First up is a home game against a mid‑table side where the team can test the new midfield setup. Watch how the replacement for Eze links up with the striker – quick one‑twos and late runs into the box will be the tell‑tale sign of a working partnership.
Then comes a tough away clash with one of the league’s top six. Here the defensive solidity of Guéhi and the full‑backs will be under the microscope. If Palace can keep a clean sheet, the chances of snatching points rise sharply. The manager has said set‑pieces will be a focus, so keep an eye on any corner routines that aim to use Guéhi’s height.
Fans should also track the loan signings once they arrive. The club usually announces them a week before the match, and they often make an immediate impact. A fresh attacking option could offset the loss of Eze and give the manager more tactical freedom.
Overall, the Crystal Palace XI is in a transition phase but not a rebuilding one. The squad keeps its core, adds a few targeted players, and aims to compete strongly in the Premier League. Stay tuned for updates on loan deals, injury news, and match previews – that’s how you’ll stay ahead with the Eagles.
Barnet FC faced Crystal Palace XI in a lively pre-season match, finishing with a 3-1 defeat. Barnet's defense held strong at crucial moments, especially thanks to a standout trialist goalkeeper. Despite controlling the second half, Barnet struggled to break through Palace's defense and convert their chances.
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