Everton welcome Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Saturday, bidding to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League.
After going seven games unbeaten at one point, Everton now find themselves on a three-game losing run. They were handed a 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United in midweek, sinking them to 15th in the table and just a point above the relegation zone.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, came from behind to win 2-1 against Wolves at home in midweek. They have been inconsistent once again but will head to Merseyside with some confidence.
On that note, here are the key battles that could decide the outcome of this Premier League fixture.
#Wilfried Zaha vs Seamus Coleman
Wilfried Zaha has been Crystal Palace’s best player, again! With four goals and an assist in eight games, including scoring the winner against Wolves, he continues to be a real handful in the Premier League this season.
The Ivory Coast international is a danger every time he gets on the ball, his movements are clever and he is a big threat in front of goal. However, Zaha will be up against Everton’s Seamus Coleman. The most experienced member of the Everton squad, Coleman’s defensive skills will be put to test when facing the unpredictable Zaha.
The Palace star’s pace on the counter and dribbling could cause problems to the Everton defence, and Coleman should bring his best performance on the floor to nullify his threat at the weekend.
#Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Joachim Andersen
Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his first start of the season at Newcastle United, but rarely got involved in the game as Everton registered just one shot throughout the 90 minutes. He will need time to get back his confidence and scoring boots after being hampered by injuries in the last 12-15 months.
Nonetheless, the England international can be a real handful in the box, and Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi will have to be extra vigilant of the threat Calvert-Lewin carries. Due to his aerial ability and strength, Andersen must take the lead to stop Calvert-Lewin from meeting crosses in the box and keeping things tight overall.
If Andersen can manage to frustrate the Everton striker and limit him to fewer chances in the final third, Palace’s chances of winning the game will become higher.
#Amadou Onana vs Eberechi Eze
Amadou Onana has looked good since joining Everton in the summer, adding a lot of steel and physicality to their midfield. He can do a bit of everything from a central midfielder’s perspective, and while the Belgian wants to go forward and make things happen for his side in the final third, he will need to be defensively diligent against the Eagles.
For Palace, Eberechi Eze has put in a few impressive displays in midfield and Patrick Vieira is expected to start him again. He will have a task on his hand to dispossess Onana frequently whilst offering creativity to his side. This midfield battle between Eze and Onana will be worth keeping an eye on.
#Anthony Gordon vs Tyrick Mitchell
Anthony Gordon was one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise dismal last campaign for Everton. He has made a decent start to the new season with two goals in nine games, although there is a lot more to come from the England under-21 international.
Starting on the right of the front three, Gordon will look to make penetrative runs behind the Palace backline. Patrick Vieira will likely go with Tyrick Mitchell at left-back at the weekend. Mitchell hasn’t been at his best this term but has the pace and defensive skill set to stop Gordon.
It could be a fascinating battle between two young Englishmen at Goodison Park.
