Crystal Palace

Exclusive: Pundit tips Crystal Palace to be caught up in relegation dogfight

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Crystal Palace will be embroiled in a relegation battle this season, according to former Premier League striker Dean Windass.

The new campaign has got underway following a summer of change at Selhurst Park, with Patrick Vieira succeeding Roy Hodgson as the club’s manager.

Vieira’s appointment only came after the Eagles had initially targeted now-Tottenham Hotspur head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and former Borussia Dortmund chief Lucien Favre.

Will Palace be relegated this season?

Yes

Yes

No

No

The Arsenal legend took charge having seen a host of players depart after their contracts expired.

Among those to leave the Eagles were Gary Cahill, who has since moved into the Championship with Bournemouth, and new Reading recruit Scott Dann.

While Vieira reacted by bolstering his defensive options with the £18million arrival of Chelsea’s Marc Guehi and fellow big-money signing Joachim Andersen, Windass fears Palace’s backline was not strengthened enough during the transfer window and, as a result, the Eagles could face the drop.

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He exclusively told TIF: “Odsonne Edouard has come in and they have Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha. They have a lot of talent up front but it’s just defensively that worries me. Can they shut up shop at the back end of the pitch?

“It’s a great opportunity for Palace because there is no excuses with their best front three, but it’s just the back four and central midfield that worries me.

“They will be in a relegation battle, in my opinion. It’s going to be a tough season for Patrick Vieira and a massive test for him.”

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