Everton vs Crystal Palace Preview
Everton and Crystal Palace are gearing up for their fourth encounter in just over three months, adding another chapter to their increasingly familiar rivalry. The Toffees, currently positioned 18th in the Premier League table, are undefeated in their season’s prior clashes against Palace, boasting two wins and a draw.
This record offers a glimmer of hope as they stand just a point shy of escaping the relegation zone.
Despite a commendable fight against Manchester City last week, Everton succumbed to a 2-0 defeat, marking only their second loss in 2024.
However, their singular victory during this period came against the Eagles in the FA Cup, highlighting manager Sean Dyche’s impressive seven-match record (W4, D3) against Palace.
On the other side, Crystal Palace find themselves just five points clear of the relegation fray, amidst a tumultuous week that saw manager Roy Hodgson hospitalized due to illness.
Amidst this uncertainty, reports have emerged suggesting Oliver Glasner is set to take the managerial reins, tasked with revitalizing a team that has won only once in its last six competitive outings (D1, L4).
Palace’s away form is particularly concerning, with three consecutive Premier League losses on the road. A fourth consecutive defeat would mirror a slump not seen since the end of the 2019/20 season.
Key Players to Watch Out For
As Everton looks to exploit this vulnerability, midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré‘s return to full training is a timely boost, given his status as the club’s top scorer.
Conversely, Palace will rely on Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has enjoyed personal success against the Toffees despite mixed team fortunes.
This Monday night clash at Goodison Park is not just another game for either side. For Everton, it’s an opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone and continue their unbeaten run against a direct rival.
For Crystal Palace, it’s a chance to distance themselves from the drop and possibly mark the beginning of a new managerial era. Both teams have much at stake, making this matchup a critical juncture in their respective Premier League campaigns.