Michael Keane returns – Predicted Everton XI vs Crystal Palace
Everton have a huge chance to ensure survival in the Premier League for another season when they face off with Crystal Palace on Thursday [May 19].
The Toffees play their final home game of the season after they fell to a 3-2 defeat to Brentford on Sunday [May 15] where two red cards cost them dearly at Goodison Park.
But with the fans firmly behind them for one more game where a win would mean they are safe with a game to spare, Frank Lampard must make some big decisions with his starting lineup for the game.
In goal Jordan Pickford will continue between the sticks, despite conceding three and arguably playing a part in the attack that led to Jarrad Branthwaite’s red card against Brentford.
The manager has stuck with a back three and five in recent games, using captain Seamus Coleman as a third centre-back and that is likely to continue here once again as he is low on options.
That means Alex Iwobi should continue in his new-found right wing-back spot, where his energy and ball carrying qualities have been a big help for the side in both ends of the pitch. Vitalii Mykolenko has established himself on the left and will start there too.
Alongside Coleman there is a lack of options with Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey unlikely to be fit enough to feature, while Branthwaite is now suspended. That means Mason Holgate will keep his place and Lampard will have to gamble on the fitness of Michael Keane, who missed Sunday’s game with illness.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is still a regular starter in the centre of midfield but while Donny Van de Beek could return from injury, Fabian Delph is unlikely to recover in time for the game.
That means Lampard must decide between Brazilian Allan or Andre Gomes, and the Portuguese midfielder played well enough at the weekend to be able to keep his place in the side and offers more going forward.
In the attacking line up the manager will keep faith with youngster Anthony Gordon on the right, despite his lapse in concentration costing Everton the winning goal for Rico Henry against Brentford.
But with Dominic Calvert-Lewin (just) getting on the scoresheet for the first time since August, he should keep his place with Lampard hopeful that it could spark a little streak to end the season.
That will mean that Demarai Gray continues on the bench, with the in-form Richarlison taking his place on the left-wing to complete the attack.
Predicted Everton XI vs Crystal Palace: Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Holgate; Iwobi, Doucoure, Gomes, Mykolenko; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.
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