The Premier League is finally returning, with Everton hosting Crystal Palace. Will the Toffees push for the European places, or finish in the bottom half once again?
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Everton's Premier League campaign gets underway on Saturday at 3pm as the Toffees host Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It's been an interesting pre-season for David Moyes' side, with some strong results and performances, particularly towards the end of the summer.
Hopefully Everton's transfer business isn't over just yet, as there are certainly still holes that remain in the squad. It's unlikely to be Everton's strongest squad as we face Palace due to a couple of injuries, while there will hopefully be some new additions by the end of the window.
Palace had an interesting pre-season due to the fact that a number of their players were participating at the World Cup. Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has confirmed that the Eagles should have a fully fit squad to face the Toffees, although there are question marks over Dean Henderson's recent injury.
Preview
Everton do have a strong record when it comes to facing Crystal Palace, particularly at home. Their last defeat against the Eagles came all the way back in 2014, when former Everton winger Yannick Bolasie scored what turned out to be the winning goal.
The Toffees narrowly missed out on Europe last season after a seven-game winless streak saw their hopes fade away. Even finishing in the top half has been a rarity for Everton recently, and they'll be aiming to secure a top 10 finish for the first time in six years.
European football and competing for trophies is what every Evertonian wants to see, but it remains to be seen whether this season will come too soon.
Everton are unbeaten in 11 games across all competitions against Palace, but it looks set to be a fairly new-look side under new manager Sage.
Team news
David Moyes has confirmed that Christian Norgaard, Tim Iroegbunam, and James Garner are all out injured for Everton heading into this game.
Crystal Palace boss Sage confirmed that he should have a fully fit squad to face the Toffees, but they will make a late decision on goalkeeper Henderson after he picked up a problem against Freiburg.
Predicted XI’s
Everton: Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Armstrong, Hackney; Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Canvas, Richards, Riad; Mingueza, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; Pino, Sarr; Strand Larsen.
Moyes does have some big decisions to make, particularly when it comes to the right-hand side. At right back, Merlin Rohl and Jake O'Brien are likely competing for a starting position, while Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George will be hoping to secure a spot on the wing.
If Moyes wants a little more balance with players in their more natural positions, we could see Dibling on the right with Iliman Ndiaye on the left. However, George will undoubtedly be pushing for a start after an impressive pre-season, which could see Ndiaye move to the right.