Crystal Palace travel to Goodison Park where they found good fortune last season by pulling off a surprise 3-2 victory to reach the magical forty point mark that all but assured safety for Tony Pulis’ men.
The times have certainly changed for Palace but remain confident that they can gain their first victory of the season playing an Everton side coming off the back of two victories in the last two games.
Everton beat Wolfsburg 4-1 on Thursday night in their first Europa League game of the season and will look to carry the momentum to gain a small measure of revenge for the same fixture last season. Roberto Martinez’s side failed to capitalise on dropped points by Arsenal and were unable to secure Champions League football. A feat most Toffees fans will expect this season with the money spent in the transfer window. Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku’s £28 million big money move in the summer has yet to pay dividends which has left some fans frustrated by his slow start to the campaign.
The dreaded Thursday and Sunday fixture demand is notoriously problematic for Europa League contenders which will offer Palace some encouragement.
Team News
Everton
Midfield duo Ross Barkley and Bryan Oviedo remain on the sidelines having yet to play a game this season. Barkley suffered a knee injury in pre-season while Oviedo has yet to recover from a broken leg sustained late last season. Aruna Kone misses this one with a knee injury and Seamus Coleman faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock on Thursday night. Samuel Eto’o may make his first start of the season after Martinez admitted he is starting to look fully fit after impressing in the game against Wolfsburg.
Crystal Palace
Neil Warnock will once again be without striker Marouane Chamakh who is out with a hamstring injury that prevented him from playing against Burnley last week. James McArthur impressed on his debut alongside Mile Jedinak and may retain his place in the side. Deadline day acquisition Zeki Fryers is still waiting for his Palace debut whilst Kevin Doyle is in contention for his first start. Andrew Johnson is unlikely to feature until the midweek game at home to Newcastle in the League Cup. Joe Ledley is expected to return to the squad after a hip problem.
Analysis and Predictions
Prediction for Everton – 4th
Despite the success of last season, the squad depth was not there. Everton suffered during the New Year stages having many injuries and no one to fill the gaps. Losses to Crystal Palace and Southampton could have been the difference in Everton achieving a fourth place finish instead of limping over the line.
It has been a tough pre-season for Everton without a single victory to their name. The Toffeemen know that the future is very much bright and a prime example of that is in John Stones who was recently capped by England. Bosnian Muhamed Besic has shown that £4 million could well be a steal and we know what to expect from the likes of Gareth Barry. A lot remains to be seen if Romelu Lukaku can shake off the weight of expectation from his hefty price tag.
The main objective has to be the Champions League but can Everton achieve it? For me, Everton are a top four side but they are their own worst enemies. They will be able to push twice as hard as last season but their reliance on one team needing to slip from the top four needs to end as I doubt Chelsea, Manchester City or Liverpool will drop out of the top three. However, Arsenal’s lack of transfer activity may come back to haunt them which could allow Everton to grab that fourth spot right out from under them.
EPL Index prediction – home win
Who Scored prediction – home win
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson’s prediction – home win
My prediction – home win
