Tim Cahill has left Everton, Holman chose Middle East cash over the Premier League, and Schwarzer will warm the Chelsea bench after being dumped by Fulham.  So who do we support in the early hours of Sunday morning?  David Hards looks at this dilemma.

Watch the Premier League but don’t have a team?  I think I have found your answer.  Led by an Australian, and coming with the underdog tag Crystal Palace may find themselves some new Australian fans over the next few months.

The London team showed the same determination and never say die attitude that many of Socceroos supporters have identified with the national team over the years.  Led by skipper Mile Jedinak the team showed great fight when they came up against Champions league contenders Tottenham.  Jedinak starred (and even trended on twitter) during the late hours of Sunday morning whilst we yearned to see an Australian in action in the world’s biggest league.

I am not suggesting for one minute that you dump your current team, but Australian’s have supported Leeds, Everton and Fulham in great numbers.  Over the years and I can see that trend continuing with Jedinak.  Other Australians are doing some great things overseas but in Australia the English Premier League is top dog and receives the bulk of the coverage when it comes to overseas football.

So apart from Jedinak why choose Palace?  The fans showed great passion throughout the 90 minutes and this will continue all season long.  The team will come up against much bigger (and talented) opponents but will be sure to give 100% effort at all times.  Selhurst Park may not be the most aesthetically looking stadium but for football fans it’s a beauty.    To me it’s a reminder of what football fans throughout the World love, sure places like Emirates and Old Trafford might have all the bells and whistles Selhurst Park has something money can’t buy; character.

Still not sold? What about the exciting up front combination of ‘Super’ Kevin Phillips and teenage sensation Dwight Gayle.  Gayle is the club record signing who has buckets of potential whilst wily old fox Phillips is only the third outfield player in his 40’s to play at the Premier League level.  At times Gayle appeared overwhelmed in his debut appearance but he will only get better and ignite the league.  Phillips is the ultimate football professional and has been rewarded with one last chance at the elite level after his penalty at Wembley sent Palace into the top flight at the play off final last season.

Add to this manager Ian Holloway who isn’t afraid to call a spade a spade or go toe to toe with Arsene Wenger or David Moyes.  Holloway will be sure to give fans plenty of reasons to smile whilst his team throw everything at the relegation fight.

This season is slim pickings for Australian’s in the Premier League, so if you are in need of a team to follow whilst enjoying the Saturday night banter from Adam Peacock, Robbie and Bozza you could choose far worse teams than Crystal Palace.  For those Aussies with an Everton or Leeds top in the wardrobe, maybe you could adopt Palace as your second team, at least on a 12 month loan.