Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 16/04/2014
Kick-off: 19:45(BST)
Match
Everton’s were not at their attractive best against Sunderland on Saturday but the fact that the Toffees got the job done proved that Roberto Martinez’s men will fight till the end to claim fourth spot ahead of Arsenal.
In the Premier League one cannot always play beautiful football and expect to get the results all the time. At times, a certain level of graft and fight is required and Everton proved that they are not just about the pretty passing football, with the gritty win over the desperate Black Cats.
Now Crystal Palace are the visitors on Wednesday night and Everton will perhaps once again have to abandon their fluid style of play against the well drilled Eagles side under Tony Pulis.
Although Palace have been in great run of form, the match could be a favourable one for the Toffees as the Eagles are virtually safe from relegation and do not have much to play for.
That being said, Roberto Martinez cannot allow his players to be even a little bit complacent as proven by the fact that Palace can be dangerous if not taken seriously.
Everton Team News
Despite all the plaudits coming towards Everton’s attacking prowess, the defence have been recently proving that they have been equally important to the Toffees’ success this season .
The ever reliable Tim Howard will start in goal and the back four should also remain unchanged, with Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, John Stones and Seamus Coleman all retaining their place in the starting lineup. Phil Jagielka is close to returning to first team action but will not feature against Palace.
In terms other injuries, Bryan Oviedo and Lacina Traore are definitely ruled out, while there is good news in regard to long-term absentees Steven Pienaar and Darron Gibson, who are nearing full fitness.
Gareth Barry and James McCarthy look certain starters in midfield but Leon Osman could make way for Ross Barkley, while Aiden McGeady is also in contention to replace Gerard Deulofeu.
Romelu Lukaku may be handed a start upfront, which means that Steven Naismith may drop out of the starting line-up and make way for Kevin Mirallas, who will slot into the wings.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Stones, Distin, Coleman; Mirallas, Barry, Barkley, McCarthy, Deulofeu; Lukaku
Crystal Palace (Probable XI): Speroni; Parr, Delaney, Dann, Mariappa; Bolasie, Ward, Jedinak, Puncheon, Ledley; Jerome
Form
Everton: W W W W W
Crystal Palace: D L W W W
Last Meeting
09/11/2013 Crystal Palace 0 – 0 Everton
Prediction
Although both teams head into the clash with a great run of form, Everton can be considered clear favourites for the clash. The Toffees’ home form has been exemplary this season while Palace do not enjoy the best of away records.
However, Palace have shown that they have the ability to stifle any opponent and will surely give a hard time in allowing Everton to create too many clear cut chances while in players like Jason Puncheon and Cameron Jerome, they can cause problems on the break.
Everton will have majority of the possession but if they are not able to break down Palace early one, Martinez should also look to instruct his players into putting in direct balls into the box, in order to give a different dimension to their attack.
The game will surely be a tightly fought one but Everton have too much quality and much more to play for to let this one slip from their grasp. A narrow win for the Toffees should be on the cards.
Everton 2 – 0 Crystal Palace
