Ronald Koeman had a brilliant start to life at Everton but that did not last too long. The Toffees, after an unbeaten start to the season, faced two back to back losses in the last two games. A 0-2 loss to Championship high-flyers Norwich City with the squad players did not seem to do much damage but the 1-0 loss to Bournemouth did and it is evident from the league table as the blue half of Merseyside now find themselves outside the top four.
The Toffees take on Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace on Friday night at Goodison Park and will be hoping to get back to winning ways. The Eagles are in red-hot form at the moment having collected 10 points from their last four Premier League games after losing their opening two fixtures. They are on the back of a thrilling 3-2 win against Sunderland from the last weekend and will be high on confidence while taking on Ronald Koeman’s boys.
Here is the predicted Everton lineup against Crystal Palace.
DEFENCE
Marten Stekelenburg will take up his usual position between the sticks and will be tested by the in-form Crystal Palace attack. Seamus Coleman made his comeback from injury and will again start in the right-back position. Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka will be the central defensive pair with the reliable Leighton Baines lining up at left-back.
Everton well defensively in the first few games but in the last two games, they have lost their momentum and looked shaky at the back. Koeman has to ensure that his defence can stop the likes of Benteke, Townsend and Zaha from doing the damage.
MIDFIELD
Gareth Barry has done an incredible job in the middle of the park this season and it looks like the central defensive midfield position will be of his own for the remainder of the season. Alongside the Englishman, we expect summer signing Idrissa Gueye to start who has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season. Everton have the perfect sync of experience, steel and industry in midfield and the duo have to impress in order to win their side the game.
Ross Barkley will keep his place in the number ten role despite putting a few subdued performances of late after a more than decent start to the season. Yannick Bolasie seems like a completely transformed player this season at Everton since joining and will be keen to impress once again. Kevin Mirallas will keep his place on the opposite flank.
ATTACK
Romelu Lukaku is the first choice striker at Goodison Park by some distance and the Belgian will be looking to make an impact as he starts up front for the Blues
