Prediction: Everton vs Crystal Palace

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 16/19

Bookmaker: 888sport

Everton are in desperate need of a strong response following last weekend’s hammering at Arsenal but relegation-threatened Crystal Palace are not to be taken likely despite their inconsistent run of late.

Everton

The appointment of Sam Allardyce as new Everton manager did see the Toffees turn things around and get back up on their feet but Everton have quickly lost momentum and find themselves amidst a poor patch in the Premier League.

With only one win from their last eight league games, Allardyce’s men are coming off from a disappointing 5-1 defeat at the Emirates last time out with Everton boss describing his team’s performance as ‘pathetic’. Allardyce will be urging his side to turn things around and continue their fine home form which saw them scoop 23 of their 31 points in total thus far. The home side will be looking at January signing Theo Walcott to lead the team forward knowing that former Arsenal star is the most in-form Everton player at the moment. The England international netted twice in his team’s last home game against Leicester City and was the outstanding performer in otherwise disappointing display against Gunners.

Team News

Leighton Baines is still nursing his calf injury and will be out of contention for the game despite the fact he is closing in on a return.

Seamus Coleman could get back in the fold after missing out the last game through illness. James McCarthy remains the long-term absentee.

Crystal Palace

Much like Everton who had a dreadful start to the season which saw them change managers, Crystal Palace have also turned towards the experienced Roy Hodgson to help them save the current campaign.

Former England boss has indeed stabilised the Eagles who lost only two of their last 15 Premier League matches. Despite the overall positive run, Crystal Palace still lack consistency – and good fortune arguably – which see them sitting in 14^th, only three points clear of the relegation zone. Palace are coming off from back-to-back 1-1 stalemates against West Ham and Newcastle, respectively, in the build-up to the forthcoming fixture. Serbian international Luka Milivojevic has arguably been the most outstanding player for Eagles lately with former Olympiacos midfielder scoring three goals in his last five EPL games. Visitors will most certainly hope the Serbian can extend his fine form knowing their biggest star Wilfried Zaha is still ruled out through injury.

Team News

Scott Dann, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jason Puncheon, Bakary Sako, Jeffrey Schlupp and Connor Wickham are all confirmed absentees for Crystal Palace’s trip to Liverpool.

Hodgson will remain hopeful Martin Kelly can recover from a hamstring problem in time for the game, however. Zaha is set to miss the rest of February with his knee injury.  

Key Factors to Consider

• Crystal Palace travel to Goodison without seven first-team players
• Eagles lost only 2 of their last 15 Premier League games
• Everton failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 7 fixtures
• The Toffees lost 5 of their last 7 matches in all competitions
• Everton and Crystal Palace drew 4 of their last 5 meetings

Conclusion

Everton play host to Crystal Palace at Goodison this weekend in what’s likely to be a highly interesting match, knowing that both sides are in great need of points. Allardyce’s men are looking to bounce back from the Arsenal thumping whereas Crystal Palace are cursing their luck of late.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 16/19

Bookmaker: 888sport