CRYSTAL PALACE

Title Odds 750/1

In Max Meyer (Schalke, free), Cheikhou Kouyate (£9.5m), Vicente Guaita (Getafe, free), Jordan Ayew (Swansea, loan)

Out Yohan Cabaye (released), Bakary Sakho (released), Diego Cavalieri (released), Lee Chung-yong (released), Damien Delaney (Cork C, free), Jaroslaw Jach (Caykur Rizespor, loan) Net spend £9.5m What’s new? A late flurry of deals has given the squad a fresh look but the best bit of business was pricing Wilfried Zaha (right) out of the market. Roy Hodgson will hope that the momentum generated at the end of last term will ensure no repeat of last term’s seven-game losing start. Most exciting signing Max Meyer, a Germany international who was until recently one of the most highly-prized prospects in the Bundesliga, with Schalke. Hodgson will hope he delivers some much-needed craft in the heart of midfield.

How will they play? Last term’s template is unlikely to change. Zaha and Andros Townsend will use their pace

to stretch sides on the break, with Christian Benteke linking play. The full-backs will push on in possession and Luka Milivojevic will shield a back four which is solid when James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho are fit. Who has it all to prove? Benteke. The Belgian’s meagre return of three league goals destroyed his confidence and cost him a place at the World Cup. Palace probably would have sold him this summer had a suitor offered a reasonable fee but he is still only 27 and should not be a lost cause. Who will be player of the year? Zaha is the obvious choice, but Aaron Wanbissaka’s breakthrough last season was arguably more exciting – he looks the real deal at right-back. Manager’s survival rating Hodgson will not be sacked: the fans adore him and he has the support of the dressing room. 8/10 If they were a World Cup side they would be … Colombia. Boisterous fans, a lovely kit and two exceptionally talented players, but capable of some real dross on occasion.