Mark Lawrenson predicts Everton clash v Crystal Palace
Everton will settle for a draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon (12 December), according to Mark Lawrenson.
The Toffees travel to Selhurst Park hoping to build on their 2-1 win over Arsenal on Monday night (6 December).
Rafa Benitez’s men currently sit 12th in the Premier League table, two points ahead of the Eagles who are 14th.
In his latest BBC Sport predictions column, Lawrenson went for a 1-1 draw between the two sides.
“Everton got a great result against Arsenal on Monday, and the way they got it – so late on and with such a good strike – will have lifted the whole club,” he said.
“Crystal Palace have hit a sticky patch of late, and have taken only one point from their past four games, including three defeats in row.
“But two of those losses came after they conceded late on and even against Manchester United last week they missed a really good chance with the score at 0-0.
“So the Eagles will be competitive, especially at home where they have only lost once under Patrick Vieira all season.
“But I just don’t see Everton boss Rafael Benitez taking many risks here, because it would be such a big backwards step to lose this game after that win over the Gunners.
“Benitez will be absolutely determined not to be beaten, and I think he would take a draw now.”
Chance to build momentum
You fancy Everton to get a result at Selhurst Park much more than you would have done a week ago, thanks to the morale-boosting victory over Arsenal.
It was the Toffees’ first win in nine matches, but they will now be keen to make sure it was not a one off.
Particularly with a trip to Chelsea to come next week (16 December), they will want to build some momentum ahead of the clash against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
However, Everton have won just once on the road in the Premier League this season and Palace have lost only once on home turf.
That said, there has arguably not been a better time to play Patrick Vieira’s team as they have been sliding down the table in recent weeks as a result of three successive defeats.
It would certainly be very disappointing if the Toffees did not leave South London with at least a point.
In other Everton news, one Toffees man is set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury against Arsenal.
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