Everton will host Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday, looking to book their place in the next round of the competition.
Everton and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw earlier this month, and they will both be eager to clinch a victory to progress to the next stage. Both teams are in relatively similar form heading into this match, and this is likely to be a close contest.
Everton are winless in their last six matches across all competitions, and Crystal Palace have picked up just one win in that time. With that said, the Toffees have a formidable record against the Eagles, and they have lost just twice in their last 20 matches with them.
Both teams will fancy their chances against each other, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Everton
Dele Alli will miss out through a groin injury, and Ashley Young is still recovering from his knock. Idrissa Gueye is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of nations. Other than that, Everton should have a fully-fit side to choose from.
The home side are likely to shape up in a 4-5-1 formation, with Jordan Pickford in goal. Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko will start as the full-backs, and they will look to contribute at both ends of the pitch. James Tarkowski will likely form the central defensive pairing alongside the talented Jarrad Branthwaite.
In the middle of the park, Andre Gomes will start alongside James Garner and Amadou Onana. Garner and Onana will look to add defensive cover to the side, while Gomes adds creativity and drive. Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison will start in the wide areas, and they will look to add pace and flair to the side. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will feature after his punishment was rescinded.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Onana, Garner, Gomes, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin
Crystal Palace
Rob Holding and Sam Johnstone are ruled out with ankle and calf injuries, respectively. Michael Olise will miss out with hamstring problem, and Cheick Doucoure is sidelined with an ankle problem. Joel Ward will miss out with a thigh injury, and Jordan Ayew is away on international duty for the Africa Cup of nations.
Crystal Palace are likely to shape up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Dean Henderson in goal. Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell will start as the full-backs. They will look to protect the central defenders and help out during transitions. Joachim Andersen will start at the heart of the backline alongside Marc Guehi.
In the middle of the park, Jefferson Lerma will start alongside Chris Richards, and they will look to add defensive cover to the side. Will Hughes will add creativity and composure alongside them. Finally, Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line for Crystal Palace against Everton, with Jeffrey Schlupp and Eberechi Eze on either side of him.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Henderson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Richards, Hughes; Eze, Mateta, Schlupp
Key Stats
- Everton have scored at least two goals in five of their last six home matches against Crystal Palace in all competitions.
- Everton are undefeated in 18 of their last 20 matches against Crystal Palace in all competitions.
- 17 goals have been scored in the last six matches between these two teams.
- Everton are winless in the last six matches across all competitions.
- Crystal Palace are winless in five of their last six matches across all competitions.
Player to Watch
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The Everton striker was sent off when the two teams met earlier in January, but the suspension has been rescinded and he will be back in action here. The 26-year-old is our key player to watch out for.
Everton will need him to step up and break down the Crystal Palace defence if they are to progress through to the next round of the competition. His physicality and areal prowess could prove to be very handy against Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi.
Prediction
Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace
Both teams are quite evenly matched, and it will be quite difficult to separate them. This is likely to be an evenly matched affair, but Everton should be able to edge this at home. They have an impressive head-to-head record against the Eagles, who have a number of injury problems to deal with. A narrow home win is on the cards here.