Iroegbunam To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Everton Lineup To Face Crystal Palace | OneFootball

The last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park witnessed a dramatic finish when James Tarkowski scored moments before the final whistle to salvage a 2-2 draw for Everton. David Moyes has turned things around upon his return as the Toffees chief, and the upbeat Blues must maintain the momentum while locking horns with Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

Everton scripted a comeback victory when they hosted the Eagles in the reverse fixture. Despite conceding in the early minutes, a Dwight McNeil brace sealed all three points early into the campaign. But they would find it tricky at Selhurst Park even though Oliver Glasner’s men suffered a defeat against Brentford in their previous home encounter. Palace bounced back immediately with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford followed by last weekend’s FA Cup victory over League Two minnows Doncaster Rovers. Yet their home form remains a concern regardless of climbing up the league ladder after a slow start.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Everton Lineup To Face Crystal Palace

Defence

Everton are once again fighting for survival, but they are one of the least conceding outfits thanks to the stability and sharpness Jordan Pickford brings in between the sticks. He made a smart late save to deny Mohamed Salah before Tarkowski’s stellar equalizer.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace battles with Vitaly Mykolenko and James Garner of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Crystal Palace FC at Goodison Park on September 28, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Injuries to both Seamus Coleman and Nathan Paterson forced Moyes to deploy Jake O’Brien as a makeshift right fullback. The 6 ft 6 in centre-half might offer little with marauding runs. Still, his resilience in the defensive third would help Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite steady the ship overcoming the Eagles’ attacking flair. Vitalii Mykolenko must get the nod over Ashley Young down the left, but the soon-to-be 40-year-old versatile veteran could be involved at some point in the second half.

Midfield

The Toffees have two key absentees in the middle of the pitch due to injury and suspension. While Orel Mangala sustained a season-ending ACL rupture, Abdoulaye Doucouré will miss their trip to South London upon receiving a marching order against Liverpool following his post-match altercation with Curtis Jones. Tim Iroegbunam could feature in an advanced role, but the gaffer would again rely on Idrissa Gueye and James Garner to form a ‘double pivot’ deep down the midfield.

Meanwhile, in-form Iliman Ndiaye broke down in tears after being forced off on Wednesday night. McNeil’s knee injury would present Jack Harrison with another opportunity to impress down the left, but the right-hand flank belongs to Jesper Lindstrøm, the on-loan Napoli winger, who has received plaudits for his immense work rate.

Attack

Beto is enjoying a scoring streak as the outright ‘number 9’ amid injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti.