Everton will resume their Premier League campaign on Sunday as they host Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. The Toffees are on a two-game winning run in the league and will be keen on continuing their momentum this weekend.
As for Crystal Palace, they have also struggled this season, securing just seven points from eight games matches. They are also winless in their last three games, making them the obvious underdogs heading into this fixture.
Everton Team News
Seamus Coleman has been sidelined with a foot injury and will miss the clash this weekend. Also, the likes of Yerry Mina (match fitness), Phil Jagielka (match fitness), Idrissa Gueye (ankle), James McCarthy (match fitness), Beni Baningime (match fitness) and Andre Gomes (match fitness) are all doubtful.
Predicted Everton lineup vs Crystal Palace
Defence
Jordan Pickford will look to redeem himself after a rather disappointing start to the campaign as he starts in between the sticks for the Toffees this weekend.
Jonjoe Kenny will continue to deputise for the injured Seamus Coleman in the right-back position. The young defender has impressed this season, having averaged three tackles, 2.3 interceptions and almost three clearances per game.
Lucas Digne, on the other hand, will be deployed on the opposite flank. The former Barcelona star has become a key component of Everton’s backline, managing nine key passes – a tally only bettered by Gylfi Sigurdsson.
In the continued absence of new signing Yerry Mina, Kurt Zouma will once again start in central defence alongside Michael Keane. Although Mason Holgate has also impressed this season, Zouma’s robust style of play might be useful against the Crystal Palace attack.
Midfield
Everton might end up ruing the likely absence of Idrissa Gueye in this crucial encounter. Morgan Schneiderlin is in line to replace the Senegalese international who has notched up the most number of tackles and interceptions for Everton this season.
The dynamic Tom Davies will partner Schneiderlin at the base of Everton’s 4-2-3-1. Davies’ offensive prowess coupled with his tendency to track back could aid the Toffees as they aim to nullify the opposing midfield this weekend.
Attack
Everton coach Marco Silva could utilise new signing Bernard as a super sub in this encounter, knowing that his creativity could prove to be useful in the latter stages of the game. Thus, Gylfi Sigurdsson will be operating as the lone attacking midfielder.
Richarlison and Theo Walcott will occupy the wider roles, just behind the central striker Cenk Tosun. The duo of Richarlison and Walcott have completed a total of 35 dribbles combined this campaign, which is more than the combined tally of Sigurdsson, Tosun and Bernard.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
