This is typical Palace, riding the crest of a wave after winning the FA cup, qualifying for Europe, however imo the momentum has been lost.
We all know the 1st 11 is good enough for top 10 & progressing far into a European competition.
However after the 1st 11 there are only a few who could step up if someone is injured, suspended or leaving for the African nations. All 3 of these will happen in the season.
There is no way Glasner will be at Palace next season because of this.
No real signings & looking like we are eyeing up the bargain basement or not wanted players & leaving it late so what players are brought in will not be integrated for 4 to 6 weeks.
For instance why did we not go for Hayden Hackney especially as Wharton will leave at the end of the season & both Hughes & Lerma will be in their twilight of their careers.
Going through the squad my view from the outside is as follows:
GK : Henderson has his faults but a good keeper, hopefully keeps fit the whole season. Would have kept Goodman as the back up, did not need to bring in another keeper.
RB : Munoz - can he keep his form as last year & keep injury free, if so no problems. The back up is not good enough. Clyne is past his best years & Khpora not really tested. I did not see Khpora’s name on the team sheet for the friendly’s, is he injured?
LB : Mitchell, hopefully as reliable as ever with Sosa back up. Do not know much about Sosa, hopefully a decent back up? So hopefully no problems.
CB : The main 3 of Guehi, LaCroix & Richards rival any defence in the Premier League. However Guehi will be gone either this window or for a free next Summer. Richards has an injury in him. Riad will never be seen again.
We therefore need 2 CB’s of decent quality. Lerma & Clyne filling in is not good enough.
Midfield : At the moment it seems strong with Wharton, Kamada, Hughes, Lerma, Devenney.
However Wharton has had injuries & the way he plays he is likely to pick up a knock again at some point. Hughes will be suspended at some point, Lerma is hot & cold, Devenney still learning.
Doucoure- will he play again?
A midfield recruit definitely required.
Front line: Excellent front 3 of Eze , Mateta & Sarr.
As mentioned Sarr will miss 2 months of the season as I imagine Senegal are 1 of the favourites to win the African Cup.
If you believe the papers Eze wants out. How this will affect his season who knows.
After the 3 above there is no back up.
Franca always injured.
Rak-Saki - not rated by Glasner?
Eduoard - pack your bags & go.
Esse - not rated by Glasner ?
We need to find a replacement for Eze & at least 1 other.
If Eze goes in the window 3 Front players.
So in conclusion if we keep the 1st 11 & they all keep fit for the majority of the season we will be ok in the Prem.
I think we will have to sacrifice the FA cup & Caraboa cup to compete in Europe. If we are in the Europa it will be a much tougher season & maybe January recruits will be required.
Are we going to sign 2 CB’s, a midfielder & 2 Forwards in this window.
At the moment it does not look like we are going to sign anyone, probably just a couple of loanees, hopefully not from Chelsea because after Chalobah incident I do not trust the scum.