Ten-man Everton grabbed a dramatic injury-time win against Newcastle United in their battle to escape relegation. While they must keep on winning league games to ensure safety, the immediate focus should be on the weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final contest versus Crystal Palace.
These two sides would lock horns at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon and the Eagles, who clinched a commanding 3-1 win at home in their Premier League meeting, are favourites this weekend given their recent form across competitions. The Toffees defeated non-league Boreham Wood in the previous round, but the test will be sterner this time around.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Everton Lineup To Face Crystal Palace
Defence
Jordan Pickford was ruled out against the Magpies after a positive Covid-19 test. He is likely to return to action for the Cup tie, however, Asmir Begovic has proven his worth between the sticks following a stellar show on Thursday night.
Seamus Coleman is expected to keep his place down the right as his experience would play a crucial part against Wilfried Zaha. Ben Godfrey did well as a makeshift left fullback and the gaffer Frank Lampard should rely on him once more ahead of Vitaliy Mykolenko and Jonjoe Kenny. With Yerry Mina still sidelined through a thigh injury, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate should retain their roles in the heart of the defensive line.
Midfield
Allan received marching orders against Newcastle for a vicious challenge on Allan Saint-Maximin. Everton would miss his presence deep down the midfield and the manager, therefore, might rely on Andre Gomes from the beginning alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure as the double pivot.
Donny van de Beek, on loan from Manchester United, missed the midweek fixture due to Covid. But he is tipped to occupy the attacking midfield role if he returns a negative test prior to the trip. Young academy prodigy Anthony Gordon has been a shining light all season and his versatility should see him shifting down the left making way for Van De Beek as a ‘number 10’. Dele Alli is an option as well in the middle of the park, however, that late winner from Alex Iwobi must have cemented his place on the right-hand flank. The likes of Demarai Gray, Anwar El Ghazi and Andros Townsend might get involved at some stage in the second half.
Attack
Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin had an impact last night as a second-half substitute, Richarlison should still be the preferred ‘number 9’ option. The Brazilian’s footwork, tricky movements and poaching traits might cause menace in Palace defence. Salomón Rondón netted a brace against Boreham Wood, but the Venezuelan veteran is set to be the understudy to their other striking options.
