Everton host Crystal Palace in gameweek six of the Premier League. The Toffees haven’t lost to the Eagles in each of their last five fixtures. They will look to continue this trend after picking up their first point of the season last week. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off at 3 pm on September 28.
Branthwaite Returns: Everton Predicted Lineup to Face Crystal Palace
How Everton Have Lined Up
Everton were hit by an injury and illness crisis last week causing mass rotation in both league and cup fixtures. Joao Virginia started midweek in place of the sick Jordan Pickford who was fit to start against Leicester. Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have started every league game in the heart of defence. Ashley Young has rotated across the flanks of defence with his last start being on the left side. The first choice left back is Vitaliy Mykolenko but the Ukrainian was out with an illness. James Garner was at right back, the fourth player used in that position that season.
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Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala were a first-time partnership at the centre of midfield against Leicester. Dwight McNeil has recently moved into a central role with Iliman Ndiaye replacing him on the left wing. Jesper Lindstrøm saw his first league start on the right wing, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still the first-choice striker in the league.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Everton picked up their first point in their 1-1 draw away at Leicester, but have yet to earn a win this season. They face an Eagles side that is also winless this campaign.
Manager Sean Dyche’s tactics have often been pragmatic, due to the club’s situation. A long ball and low possession style has kept the Toffees in the Premier League.
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This season is much of the same, the Blues attempting the most long balls in the league while averaging the least amount of passes overall.
The Toffees were also over-reliant on dead-ball situations last season. This year they have scored two goals from corners, compared to the Eagles, who have scored four. Everton will not be able to rely on their usual aerial dominance to score in this match.
Everton Injuries to Consider
The squad has been rejuvenated with multiple players returning for selection this week. Nathan Patterson and Jarrad Branthwaite are available, with the latter more likely to be selected. The ’star defender’ has yet to feature this season. Gueye has been out of training and will need fitness to return to the squad.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: James Garner
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Orel Mangala
CM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
CAM: Dwight McNeil
LM: Iliman Ndiaye
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
