Crystal Palace will be desperate for a turnaround this weekend when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton. The Eagles are lavishing at the wrong end of the table with just seven points from eight games, and a win could be imperative this weekend as they look to get out of the relegation scrap and in the right direction.
Everton, on the other hand, have been inconsistent. A balanced record of three wins, three draws and two defeats in eight matches is a far cry from their lofty expectations at the start of the season.
The Toffees, however, are the favourites heading into this contest, after securing back to back wins in their last two fixtures.
Crystal Palace Team news
Christian Benteke’s absence will be a huge blow for Crystal Palace. The former Liverpool star has been ruled out with a long-term injury.
But on the bright side, Connor Wickham and key defender Scott Dann have made significant recoveries as they are nearing their return to full fitness. However, they are unlikely to feature in this contest while Wilfred Zaha, too, could miss out after aggravating a groin injury while on international duty with Ivory Coast. His overall fitness will be assessed ahead of the clash.
Predicted Crystal Palace lineup vs Everton
Defence
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson will resort to his trusted back-four comprising of Aaron-Wan Bissaka, James Tomkins, Mamadou Sakho and Patrick van Aanholt.
However, with Scott Dann nearing his return to full fitness, Tomkins and Sakho will be urged to step up as they look to keep their respective place in the starting lineup.
Wan-Bissaka, on the other hand, leads the team in tackles and interceptions while his tally of 29 clearances has been only bettered by the two central defenders, Tomkins and Sakho. Thus, he will be one of Palace’s most essential players in the defensive department as they look to keep out the dangerous Everton attack.
Wayne Hennessey will be the man in between the sticks for the Eagles this weekend.
Midfield
Hodgson will be forced to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation on the wake of Benteke’s absence. Luka Milivojevic will start at the base of Palace’s midfield, alongside James McArthur.
Both the midfielders possess the ability to read the game well, having managed a combined 20 interceptions this season. Milivojevic, in particular, has been a vital cog in the Palace midfield.
Attack
Max Meyer could return to the starting eleven due to the likely absence of Wilfred Zaha. The German will operate as the attacking midfielder with Andros Townsend and Jeffrey Schlupp occupying the wider positions.
And finally, the Palace attack will be led by Jordan Ayew, who will once again feature as the lone striker up-front in the absence of Benteke.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
