Crystal Palace are one of the five Premier League teams to have won both of their opening league fixtures of the 2020-21 campaign and the Eagles will definitely look to continue their winning momentum when they take on Everton at the Selhurst Park on Saturday in their next league game.
Roy Hodgson’s clan are currently placed fifth in the league standings and their confidence must have been boosted massively after their win over Manchester United at the Old Trafford. However, the Toffees are also in a rich vein of form and impliedly, the upcoming clash promises to be a fascinating one to watch.
Crystal Palace Team News
Veteran striker Christian Benteke played for the Under-23s on Monday and will be available for selection this weekend, although Hodgson is unlikely to rush him into the starting lineup. However, Gary Cahill, James Tomkins, Patrick van Aanholt, Nathan Ferguson, and Connor Wickham remain on the sidelines due to their injuries.
CRYSTAL PALACE PREDICTED LINEUP VS. EVERTON (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
Vicente Guaita has fared convincingly between the sticks, having conceded merely one goal in the first two league outings. However, the custodian will be tested to the limit by the threatening attacking arsenal of the Blues and he must be alert throughout the upcoming fixture.
Defence
Cheikhou Kouyate and Mamadou Sakho have struck a close rapport in the central defence and are seemingly likely to start together once again. Against the Red Devils, Sakho made 7 clearances and 3 interceptions and played a key role in keeping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attackers at bay.
Meanwhile, Tyrick Mitchell and Joel Ward could be chalked as the full-backs against Carlo Ancelotti’s entourage. These two have to make forward runs to help their side offensively and must also refrain from getting caught out of position when Everton go for the counter-attacks.
Midfield
James McCarthy and James McArthur are expected to be pencilled in the central midfield, while Andros Townsend and Jeffrey Schlupp could be accommodated on the wide areas. Schlupp garnered an assist and completed 5 dribbles in the previous game and will be riding on a lot of confidence.
Attack
The duo comprising of Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew could be leading the line once again this weekend. Zaha and Ayew have certainly looked sharp and cunning in the final third in the two league games so far this season and will strive to cause all sorts of problems for Everton’s backline.
CRYSTAL PALACE PREDICTED LINEUP –
Statistics Credits: WhoScored