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Everton will try to build on the impressive Europa League win against Wolfsburg when they meet a Crystal Palace side with big problems.
Everton was really solid in dismissing a good Wolfsburg side 4-1 midweek, booking their 2nd consecutive win (beat West Brom 2-0 last round) after a rather poor start of the season, which saw the Toffees record 2 draws (Leicester, Arsenal) and a 3-6 defeat to Chelsea. The most exciting thing about the last two matches is that Everton has improved its defensive efforts – their offense was already incredible, but the hosts were leaking tons of goals in the first three matches of the season. Everton clearly aims a top 4 spot this year after breaking the bank on Lukaky, but the Premier League is stronger than ever and the hosts know dropping points at home against teams like Crystal Palace is not an option if they want to challenge for Champions League (or even Europa League) football.
Palace lost manager Tony Pulis before the start of the league, a huge loss as Pulis was the man who guided this team to safety in the last term. Pulis was unhappy with the signings made by the board, and with those players and with Neil Warnock invested as manager Palace has just two points in the first four rounds. The bright side is that the team is undefeated in the last two matches since Warnock took over, but draws against Newcastle and Burnley are not exactly great results.
Team news & lineups
Barkley, Kone and Oviedo are out for Everton, with Coleman doubtful (but he should play). Crystal Palace won`t be able to count on Chamakh.
Everton: Howard – Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman – Barry, McCarthy, Naismith, McGeady – Eto`o, Lukaku
Crystal Palace: Speroni – Ward, Delaney, Dann, Mariappa – Jedinak, McArthur, Puncheon, Ledley – Zaha, Gayle
Everton is in good form right now, has good morale and at home they have took care of business almost always, so Crystal Palace`s chances to get something out of this game look rather slim – even if Everton plays after a European game, at least it was a home game and they can also rotate the team – Eto`o could make his first start instead of Mirallas or Lukaku. The hosts should win this without too much stress and I reckon they will cover a 1 goal handicap as well. Everton scored at least 2 goals in each of the 5 matches they played this season, so they are not exactly the kind of team who sits back on a 1-0 or 2-1 advantage. My tip is Everton to win with -1,25 asian handicap. We might also see a couple of goals, but I won`t pick an over because the handicap win looks safer (at better odds) and I`m not sure Palace will score. Prediction: Everton – Crystal Palace 3-1.
Pick: Everton (-1,25 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.93 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.44
Event date: 21 September
