Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp believes that Crystal Palace could well qualify for Europe through the Premier League in the forthcoming campaign, though a top four spot will be just out of reach.
Alan Pardew left Newcastle United last season to take over at Selhurst Park and guided the Eagles to a finish of tenth, gaining plaudits for his work at the club.
Redknapp, who is impressed by Palace snapping up Yohan Cabaye from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, has backed Pardew to build on his good work and push the Eagles further up the Premier League table, helped by the talents of the French midfielder.
Indeed, for Redknapp, a spot in Europe is within reach for Pardew's men.
He wrote on social network Kicca: "Alan Pardew reckons Crystal Palace can beat any team outside the top four and he’s right. They did well in the big games last year and I think they’re in for a good season.
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"On their day they can beat anyone, they’ve got fantastic pace out in the wide areas and can score goals, they’ll be a real treat to most teams.
"While I don’t think they’ll make the top four I certainly think they’ll finish [near] the top four and possibly even sneak into one of the Europa League spots.
"Selhurst Park is never an easy place to play and Cabaye is a great buy. Pardew knows him well from his time at Newcastle and he’s a class player", Redknapp added.
Crystal Palace start the new season by travelling to newly promoted Norwich City on 8th August before then hosting Arsenal at Selhurst Park the following weekend.
Pardew's men have a tough opening set of fixtures with games against four of last season's top five clubs before the end of September.
The Eagles finish the campaign with games against Stoke City at home and Southampton away, matches which may be crucial if they are in the hunt for a European spot, as Redknapp feels may well be the case.
