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Everton will begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace with David Moyes still attempting to add the final pieces to his squad.
Today's clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium gives the Toffees an immediate opportunity to establish momentum after finishing 13th last season.
REUTERS/Lee Smith
Everton were involved in the European race during the spring before fading during the closing weeks of the campaign.
Their final warm up match produced a 1-1 draw with Lille. Iliman Ndiaye converted a first-half penalty, but Everton were denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser.
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|Everton's pre-season results|
|Date|Opponent|Venue|Result|Outcome|
|---|
|18 July|Dundee|Dens Park|Dundee 0-4 Everton|W|
|25 July|Bolton Wanderers|Toughsheet Community Stadium|Bolton 0-0 Everton|D|
|28 July|Stoke City|bet365 Stadium|Stoke 1-0 Everton|L|
|1 August|Hamburger SV|Volksparkstadion|Hamburg 1-2 Everton|W|
|8 August|Stuttgart|MHP Arena|Stuttgart 3-1 Everton|L|
|12 August|Newcastle United|Murrayfield Stadium|Everton 3-1 Newcastle|W|
|15 August|Lille|Hill Dickinson Stadium|Everton 1-1 Lille|D|
|Total|Seven matches||11 scored, seven conceded|W3, D2, L2|
Brennan Johnson and Beto both had opportunities to increase the lead before the French side struck late.
Palace will provide a demanding first test, with the Eagles finishing only two places below Everton in the league but ended last season as Conference League champions, defeating Rayo Vallecano through Jean Philippe Mateta’s goal in the final.
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Pierre Sage has since replaced Oliver Glasner and inherited a squad undergoing several changes. Maxence Lacroix has joined Chelsea, while Axel Disasi is expected to arrive from Stamford Bridge on loan.
There will also be familiar faces on both sides.
Everton acquired Johnson in a swap deal which sent Dwight McNeil to Selhurst Park, leaving both attackers in line to face their former club immediately.
Moyes has added Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard to his midfield, while permanent deals for Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George have provided continuity following their earlier loan spells.
REUTERS/Lee Smith
Moyes’ side won 2-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last October before the sides shared four goals in the return fixture. However, Palace’s quality and European success make this a difficult opening test.
Everton’s work away from the pitch could accelerate after the Palace game.
Everton favourites to sign Liam Delap despite fresh Newcastle contact
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TEAMtalk reports that the Toffees are leading the competition to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
The London club reportedly want to complete his sale within seven days and are seeking approximately £35 million. Negotiations between Everton and Chelsea are not described as advanced, although the groundwork completed during last summer’s pursuit is said to have strengthened Moyes’ position.
Everton held discussions with Delap before he left Ipswich Town in 2025. Chelsea eventually activated his £30 million release clause and handed him a six-year contract.
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His first campaign at Stamford Bridge was disrupted by hamstring and shoulder injuries, with Delap managing just two goals and four assists from 41 appearances across all competitions.
Delap now faces heavy competition under Xabi Alonso, with Joao Pedro established in Chelsea’s attack and Danny Welbeck added to the squad this summer.
TEAMtalk claims Newcastle have made fresh contact too, while Nottingham Forest are another serious contender. Leeds have also shown interest, although their pursuit has not progressed beyond that stage.
Liam-Delap-Chelsea
Everton already have Beto and Thierno Barry available at centre forward, but a move for Delap would provide Moyes with another physical striker and a player he attempted to recruit only a year ago.
Chelsea’s proposed timetable means the situation could move quickly.