Replacing Roy Hodgson in charge of Crystal Palace would be a challenge for any manager, so expect the board to demand success if you choose to take up the task on Football Manager 2019.

The Selhurst Park natives have a squad on the cusp of breaking without the right reinforcements, or risk losing their key stars to bigger sides.

Prepare yourself for a challenge with Football FanCast's in-depth team guide...

The board’s expectations

Concerning the Premier League, the Eagles executives request a mid-table finish, but want you to match it with a fifth Round appearance in the FA Cup and progressing to at least the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

The transfer war chest

Despite demanding relative success in each competition, Steve Parish, David Blitzer and Joshua Harris are not keen on parting with their cash.

As such, there is just £8.5million put on the table for any signings you wish to make, and a wage allocation of £30,000 – barely enough for a marquee addition before players are sold.

The lack of funds raises the question Palace fear: do you keep or sell Wilfried Zaha?

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Three players to buy

Pepe

Former Real Madrid regular Pepe is one of the bargain buys on Football Manager 2019.

Admittedly, it would be a short-term purchase as the Portuguese ace is now 35, but he would be a rock at the back for Palace with 17 tackling, 17 positioning and 19 bravery.

Samir Nasri

The Eagles lack a great deal of creativity in midfield and former Arsenal and Manchester City ace Samir Nasri can provide that.

Being a free agent, the attacking mid, capable of playing across the line, would be a sensible addition for a year or two while you build the financial reserves.

What he would bring to the club attribute wise is exemplified in his 17 technique, 16 vision, 16 passing and 14 finishing.

Carlos Vela

Andros Townsend may possess some redeemable qualities on FM19, but Los Angeles FC megastar Carlos Vela would be a step up and beyond.

The 29-year-old Mexican is one of the higher rated right-wingers and still has some room to grow, all for as little as £6million.

Three players to sell

Wayne Hennessey

Welsh international shot-stopper Wayne Hennessey will not rival Vicente Guaita for a starting spot in your side, and his valuation of £8.75million would add a great deal to your available funds.

You would have to sign a new backup for the Spaniard, however, but there is a magnitude of goalkeepers on the market who can contribute as much for far less, especially loan-wise.

James McArthur

Despite a lack of quality, there are a number of options to call on should you desire an out-and-out defensive midfielder. Amongst those include Cheikhou Kouyate, Luka Milivojevic and Scotland's James McArthur.

The 30-year-old Scot is valued at £12.75m and could be easily cashed in on thanks to his fellow midfielder’s qualities matching and exceeding his own.

Connor Wickham

There’s certainly a case of strikers who cannot score wasting Crystal Palace’s funds, and 25-year-old Connor Wickham fits that description better than anyone.

The former Sunderland disaster recorded just 15 goals in 91 games for the Black Cats, and he continued this vein of form in London, with nine in 34 games over three seasons.

Valued at £11m, selling Wickham would be a wise decision, especially as it would take £60k off the wage bill, too.

Three for the future

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Defensive wonder Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the young Eagle to develop.

The 20-year-old right-back is the only Under 21 currently at the club who can develop into a top draw talent, and solidifies his importance as their first-choice full-back.

Jairo Riedewald

Another reason why McArthur’s departure would not be felt is the emergence of Jairo Riedewald.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder can develop into a first-team option, and cover a key role for years to come – freeing transfer plans for other areas of the pitch.

Max Meyer

Beyond Zaha, the offence at Crystal Palace must be built around the gifted Max Meyer.

The 22-year-old released by Schalke has the potential to be an incredible creative force in your side, and chose not to build around the German ace and you are paying £125k a week for a luxury item.