Everton host Palace in weekend clash after successful takeover.

2024-09-22

Amidst turbulent form and new ownership buzz, Everton seek their first win of the season against compact Crystal Palace in a captivating Premier League clash at Goodison Park.

Everton

Yet again, Everton lost from a leading position for the third time in a row after they settled for a 1-1 draw against Leicester City. However, looking on the bright side, it was the Toffees’ first point of the season after five Premier League games [0W, 1D, 4L].

Everton are at the bottom of the table in 19th place as one of the three sides having only a point after Match Day 5. A successful takeover from American owners Friedkin Group has sparked fresh optimism at Goodison Park, despite future plans remaining in the dark.

"It looks like it's going to bring a different storm of stability - their form of stability," Sean Dyche said in a pre-match press conference. "Speaking generally, [The Friedkin Group] have done a very good job at Roma, but I don't know what their strategy, their business model, and their viewpoint of the club," he added.

Dyche will be hoping he can steer his side to their maiden win in front of the new owners when Everton host Crystal Palace on home turf this weekend. "We weren't as clinical as I would have liked against Leicester, but we were better at keeping the back door shut," the Everton boss said.

While Everton have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the Premier League this season [8], they have lost just one of their last 19 Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace [9W, 9D, 1L]. Sean Dyche could keep the 4—2—3—1 with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack in place for this fixture against Palace.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace remained unbeaten in five games across all competitions after last weekend’s goalless draw against Manchester United. Despite taking 9 shots with 4 on target, the Eagles failed to find the back of the net against the Red Devils in front of their own crowd.

Early season struggles have left Palace [LLDDD] in 16th place on the table with only three points from three draws after five games [0W, 3D, 2L]. A draw against fellow bottom-half side Everton would leave Palace with four consecutive league draws for the first time since October 2021, when they achieved a similar feat under Patrick Vieira.

A 3—4—1—2 formation with Eddie Nketiah and Mateta in attack is expected for this trip to Everton. Oliver Glasner will be without Cheick Doucouré for the weekend’s clash.