.png)
It is not 'all or nothing' for Frank Lampard's side this time, but they do need a good result here after three defeats on the bounce. This is hard to call because Crystal Palace are a dangerous side and I am very tempted to say they will pick up a point, but I am going to back Everton to come good. Prediction: 1-0Chris Sutton's full predictions v Leicester Riders' Patrick Whelan and Blake BowmanMATCH FACTSHead-to-headCrystal Palace's only victory in the past 15 Premier League meetings was by 3-1 at Selhurst Park last December.
Everton v Crystal PalaceEverton preserved their top-flight status by beating Palace at Goodison Park in MayTEAM NEWSEverton boss Frank Lampard has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game. Mason Holgate could return after being an unused substitute in his first game back at Newcastle in midweek. Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes has recovered from a virus, while Nathan Ferguson is close to featuring for the development side as he steps up his comeback from a series of injuries.
Everton went down the direct route in their search for an equaliser – but not before Vitalii Mykolenko was off target with an effort after Seamus Coleman flipped a ball to the far post for the onrushing Ukranian. When Pickford went long, once more, Gordon hoovered up the seconds, feeding Richarlison for an effort Butland clutched to his midriff. Those episodes sandwiched more fluid play from the away team. Again down the left and again with Zaha and Mitchell prominent. The overlapping defender hared onto Zaha’s flick and whipped in a delivery Keane, facing his own goal, did very well to head behind.
No, Palace won a free-kick when Jeffrey Schlupp, the third of Palace’s left-wing raiders, was impeded by Andre Gomes. Eberechi Eze served over the set-piece, an inswinger that Mateta met roughly six yards from goal to power a downwards header beyond the helpless Jordan Pickford. Everton had come fairly close to an opening goal themselves five minutes earlier. Dominic Calvert-Lewin adds pace and touch and physicality to the forward line for Lampard’s team. He also brings the simple virtue of height and, as against Brentford on Sunday when Calvert-Lewin returned from injury, Everton had no compunction over aiming for the Englishman’s head.
And only nine minutes after the restart, three of the hosts’ new-look backline linked to breathe fresh life into the match. Andersen was penalised for a foul on Dele on Everton’ left. Mykolenko hung the free-kick to the far post, where Mason Holgate emerged to steer the ball back to Keane. He seized the opportunity like a seasoned centre-forward, controlling and striking a low shot, with minimal backlift, that flew into the bottom left corner. Gray was sent on in place of Gordon around the hour – but Palace, still exceptionally dangerous when racing forwards in number, had the next opportunity.
One hurried clearance, following aggressive Everton pressing, was eventually recycled for Gomes, who forced the keeper to save down to his left. Richarlison headed off target from a Mykolenko delivery and Everton appealed in vain for a penalty when a ball flipped off Schlupp’s knee and onto his hand. Lampard went early with his first change, Dele replacing Gomes for the second half, and Everton shuffling the pack to revert to a back-four, with Alex Iwobi advancing to operate in a midfield three.
Pickford went direct on the quarter hour, inviting Calvert-Lewin to flick the ball on for Richarlison, who duly became the meat in a sandwich also comprising Joachim Andersen and Will Hughes. Richarlison took the free-kick, from 20 yards, and grazed the top of the bar. There was the suspicion of a fingertip touch from Jack Butland but Anthony Taylor, the referee, was adamant over his decision to award a goal-kick.
It fell for Mateta, collecting Eze’s rolled pass, and the firm strike required a tremendous stop from Pickford. The keeper was needed soon after, too, but the save from a Schlupp drive was straightforward. Keane and Zaha traded bookings – for fouls on Eze and Dele, respectively, as the action raced from end to end. Dele’s cute forwards ball didn’t connect with Abdoulaye Doucoure, visibly frustrated he’d not read his colleague’s intentions.
Everton vs Crystal Palace Head to Head - AiScore A complete record of competitive matches played between the two teams, This page lists the head-to-head record of Everton vs Crystal Palace