EPL Week 1 Predictions: Why Crystal Palace Will Shock Spurs This Weekend

Premier League football returns to Selhurst Park this weekend for the first time since 2005 as Crystal Palace welcome Tottenham in their inaugural clash of the new campaign.

The Eagles currently head most markets as favourites for relegation this season and, as a result, few expect them to take much from this London derby.

With their opponents intent on a Champions League return, Palace's squad of unheralded stars clearly have it all to do on their return to top-flight action.

However, there are a few reasons why Ian Holloway's side may just spring a surprise this weekend.

The presence of Holloway is itself a major factor. The Eagles' charismatic manager will recognise the low expectancy surrounding his side and look to capitalise on it.

After the intensity of last season's play-off run, he will emphasis the lack of pressure, rouse his troops accordingly and encourage them to express themselves and play with freedom.

Roared on by a home crowd enjoying top-flight action for the first time in eight seasons, there will be a feel-good factor and celebratory atmosphere infusing the stadium—something that should inspire the hosts and will only improve their prospects.

Such circumstances often result in newly-promoted sides racing off to early-season wins.

Palace can take inspiration from the likes of Burnley, Swansea, Hull and Norwich, who are among the recently promoted sides to sprint away with several surprise triumphs.

In August, expectancy is minimal and the pressure is off. It's only when a few early wins create genuine hope that the pressure begins to mount.

In Tottenham's camp, the never-ending Gareth Bale-to-Real Madrid saga may also prove a factor in this contest.

Bale is unlikely to feature for Spurs, which is another plus for Palace, and the visitors may find it hard to remain focused with all the continuing speculation.

Spurs struggled without their main talisman last season, winning just two of the five Premier League games without him. This current situation could easily prove detrimental to their preparations as well as to their dressing-room harmony.

While Andre Villas-Boas' side are rightly favourites to take the points here, don't be surprised if their London neighbours disrupt the form book and return to the Premier League stage in style.