#2 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace were the biggest underperformers for most of the last season. The quality in their squad would speak otherwise yet they were dragged into the relegation battle. No wonder they sacked Alan Pardew and got in Sam Allardyce, known well for steering teams close to relegation.
The results instantly improved and the Eagles beat relegation comfortably in the end. Now, the onus is on them this season to play much better and the reality is they have the players to do so. The appointment of former Ajax and Inter Milan manager Frank de Boer gives them further appetite for climbing up the table.
Christian Benteke is back to his goalscoring best after the horror year with Liverpool. Another Liverpool outcast, Mamadou Sakho lifted the team with his performances on loan. However, Palace are refusing to pay the quoted transfer fee of £30 million as things stand.
Wilfried Zaha is finally realising the potential that made Sir Alex Ferguson take him to Manchester United. The winger had a phenomenal year and will look to build upon it. 21-year old Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a superb signing from Chelsea as the youngster comes with a high reputation.
Finally, the summer signings will only strengthen a set team and give them squad depth. As long as they avoid a start similar to last season, Palace can ruffle the top six next season.
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