CRYSTAL PALACE

Last season: 14th

Title odds: 500/1

Ins: Ruben Loftus-cheek (Chelsea, loan), Jairo Riedewald (Ajax, £7.8m), Timothy Fosu-mensah (Manchester United, loan)

Outs: Steve Mandanda (Marseille, undisclosed), Corie Andrews (released), Kwesi Appiah (AFC Wimbledon, free), Jonathan Benteke (released), Fraizer Campbell (released), Luke Croll (Exeter, free), Mathieu Flamini (released), Ezekiel Fryers (Barnsley, free), Ryan King-elliott (released), Joe Ledley (released), Randell Williams (released), Ben Wynter (Bromley, free).

What will be the tactics?

It would be a surprise if Palace under Frank de Boer played the same way as the side that dodged relegation under Sam Allardyce. Given the new manager’s Total Football background and the signs in pre-season, fans should expect a more expansive style, with a focus on thrust through the middle, although the extra adventure will inevitably leave more gaps at the back.

Who looks the most exciting signing?

Palace have been quiet this summer, with only Ruben Loftus- Cheek, Timothy Fosumensah and Jairo Riedewald joining. While the loanees will need to prove they are able to deliver on a consistent basis at Premier League level, Riedewald – a versatile, left-footed defender – is the most intriguing signing, having played a key role in Ajax’s charge to last season’s Europa League final.

Which unknown could make a name for themselves?

Jonathan Williams is hardly unknown, having been a regular for Wales at

Euro 2016, but injuries have made him a lesserspotted figure at Palace in the last four seasons. He has been involved in pre-season, however, with De Boer keen to offer more of Palace’s youngsters a bigger chance.

Who’s the one player they cannot do without?

Wilfried Zaha (below) was a one-man team at times for Palace last season. In all Europe’s major leagues, only Neymar took on and beat more players. His talents will surely be showcased on a grander stage than Selhurst Park at some point soon, even if he might not set back suitors £190 million.

How safe is the manager?

Managers do not tend to last long in south London, even if Palace’s chairman Steve Parish always says he is a loyal type. That said, De Boer is the biggest managerial appointment in the club’s history and will surely be offered more time than many of his predecessors.

Who would be the most appropriate celebrity fan?

Boris Johnson: boisterous, mildly entertaining when provoked, but prone to the occasional huge error.