Everton will look to confirm their Premier League safety in front of a boisterous Goodison Park crowd when they host Crystal Palace on Thursday.
Frank Lampard’s side blew a golden opportunity to seal their Premier League status at the weekend, falling to a 3-2 defeat against Brentford after being reduced to nine men.
But their fate is still in their hands and a win will secure another season of top-flight football.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are safely ensconced in mid-table and are coming off a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. Patrick Vieira’s side are unbeaten in their last four games and have lost just two of their last nine matches away from home.
The Eagles have already beaten the Toffees twice this season, scoring seven goals and conceding just once.
Everton vs Crystal Palace Team News
Everton
Frank Lampard will be without the services of Salomon Rondon and Jarrad Branthwaite, who were sent off against Brentford. But Michael Keane is set to return after missing the game at the weekend.
Fabian Delph, Yerry Mina and Andros Townsend remain sidelined due to injuries. Ben Godfrey and Donny van de Beek are in contention to start.
Crystal Palace
James McArthur is a huge doubt for the trip to Merseyside, while Michael Olise and James Tomkins are expected to miss out through injury.
Jeffrey Schlupp, Odsonne Edouard and Christian Benteke impressed off the bench at Villa Park and could be handed starts in this game. Jack Butland should retain his spot in goal ahead of Guaita.
Everton vs Crystal Palace Predicted starting lineups
Everton predicted starting lineup (3-4-3): Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane; Iwobi, Allan, Doucoure, Mykolenko; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison
Crystal Palace predicted starting lineup (4-3-3): Butland; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyate, Milivojevic; Schlupp, Zaha, Edouard
Everton vs Crystal Palace Key players
Everton – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin’s season has been plagued by injury, but when fit, he’s looked a real threat. The Englishman netted the opener against Brentford and will look to score in consecutive games for the first time since last August.
Crystal Palace – Conor Gallagher
The Chelsea loanee has been instrumental in Palace’s impressive run this season. Gallagher has enjoyed a breakout campaign, making 36 appearances across all competitions. He was recently voted Palace’s Player of the Season and will look to sign off with a couple of strong performances.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace
