Everton’s unbeaten start in their new stadium could be put to a stern test as they host a high-flying Crystal Palace, who are still undefeated in the league.
Everton have managed to stay unbeaten at their new home stadium, but their current run could face the sternest test so far in the season on Sunday when they host Crystal Palace. The Toffees are ninth heading into Gameweek 7, and will want to push upwards before the international break.
The Toffees have not won since the end of August, as their last three have ended in two draws and a defeat in the Merseyside Derby. Everton hosted West Ham last weekend, with the game ending in a draw, but preserving the team’s unbeaten start at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium.
Everton had shown plenty of ambition in the transfer market to break into one of the European places at the end of the season, and that dream could still flourish depending on how they perform against strong opposition. Speaking of a solid team, Crystal Palace pose a serious threat to Everton’s current form at home as they visit on Sunday.
Oliver Glasner is steadily making this Crystal Palace side a fortified unit, both in the attack and at the back. It has been a tremendous week for the Eagles, who defeated Liverpool with a late winner last weekend, and opened their account in the UEFA Europa Conference League with a 2-0 away win over Dynamo Kiev.
Daniel Munoz and Eddie Nketiah were on the scoresheet in what was a momentous night for Palace and their supporters. Speaking of Nketiah, the former Arsenal forward inadvertently helped his boyhood club with a late winner against Liverpool last weekend, to end Arne Slot’s side’s unbeaten run and allow Glasner to continue his.
Crystal Palace are on an incredible 19-game unbeaten run across all competitions, the best such in the club’s history. For the fans, there are more reasons to support their side, but this unbeaten run has them on their feet. Crystal Palace have some important games ahead, but the primary focus will be on the Everton visit, as a win here could potentially take them into third spot depending on what transpires with Arsenal’s result.
Team News & Tactics
Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl are the only two players doubtful due to fitness concerns, and David Moyes will hope to have the former back on the bench at the earliest date possible.
Key midfielder and summer signing, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, which will see him miss this game with a one-game ban. Moyes must find a solution to replace the midfielder, and Carlos Alcaraz is best placed to replace the Englishman.
Other than that, the Everton boss is not expected to make major tweaks to his setup against Crystal Palace, unless Branthwaite turns up fit for this one. Until then, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane will continue to form the central defensive partnership, with Jake O’Brien and Vitaliy Mykolenko stationed at the full-back spots.
Idrissa Gueye and James Garner will manage the midfield duties, while Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye will provide the width in a front three. Beto will continue to lead the line as Moyes could prefer him over Thierno Barry in the frontline.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pickford; P’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Ndiaye, Alcaraz, Grealish; Beto
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner does have a few concerns, but only Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad are those ruled out with injuries. There are fitness concerns with key star Tyrick Mitchell, something Glasner does not want to take a risk with.
Hence, there is a big chance that Borna Sosa will occupy the left wing spot despite his red card in midweek. Adam Wharton, a surprise exclusion from the England squad, will continue to take the onus in midfield, which could see Daichi Kamada partner him in the middle of the park.
Daniel Munoz is the sure starter on the right wing, with Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr operating behind Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will lead the line for Crystal Palace against Everton on Sunday.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Sosa; Sarr, Pino; Mateta
Key Stats
Crystal Palace are undefeated in their last 12 matches in the Premier League.
Everton are unbeaten in their last 19 games across all competitions.
Everton are yet to be beaten at the new Hill-Dickinson Stadium.
Everton are undefeated in their last 11 home matches against Crystal Palace in all competitions.
Crystal Palace are the only side yet to concede in the first half of a Premier League match this season. The Eagles have allowed just six shots on target against them in the opening 45 minutes of games.
Player to Watch
Adam Wharton
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Wharton was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming international break. However, it is a well-earned call-up given how important he has been for Crystal Palace, especially in this incredible 19-game unbeaten run. He will continue to be the main man in their midfield, and this should be the game to try and put in his best effort.
There are big answers needed for the question Tuchel has asked of Wharton, as a performance worthy of being in that England squad is required from the midfielder. Hence, he will be the man in focus, and probably Everton’s biggest threat.
Prediction
Everton 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton are likely to come under severe pressure against the only unbeaten side in the division. While it is not that David Moyes’s side are incapable of winning and preserving their unbeaten start to life in the new stadium, there is the element of quality and form in this game.
Crystal Palace are on their best run of form currently, and after defeating Liverpool last weekend, there’s nothing to suggest they will be scared of Everton. While they have the tendency to concede, their attackers are good enough to secure a 2-1 reverse win at the very least.