Ben Godfrey and Donny Van de Beek return – Everton Predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
Everton have been given a triple injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Thursday [May 19], where a win makes them safe.
The Toffees currently sit two points above Burnley in the bottom three, and one point above Leeds, having played a game less than the Whites heading into the final week of the season.
A win over Palace on Thursday at Goodison Park will see the team secure their safety with a game to spare, but Frank Lampard knows he cannot take any results for granted and could take some risks with his team selection and senior players.
Jordan Pickford doesn’t see his position come under threat however and with his brilliant form currently, his place in the side is fully deserved between the sticks.
In defence the blues have looked better in recent weeks, but more experience and natural defenders could be something that Lampard leans towards for this clash.
Ben Godfrey is available and fit again after injury and could come straight back into the side as part of the back three, alongside the also fit again Michael Keane and the impressive Mason Holgate to finish the unit.
That could see captain Seamus Coleman revert to his more natural right back role, but slightly more advanced as a wing-back in place of Nigeria international Alex Iwobi who has played well there recently.
Vitalii Mykolenko should continue as the left wing-back too, with his impressive performances seeing him replace Lucas Digne seamlessly since arriving in January.
Fabian Delph is still out injured and with Allan out of favour now, Donny Van de Beek’s return to fitness should see him come back into the side ahead of Andre Gomes who had a decent outing against Brentford.
In attack, Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally got back on the scoresheet for the first time since August when the ball brushed his chest on it’s way into the net and that should see him start once again as the number nine.
Either side of him on the wing Lampard is unlikely to make changes with both Anthony Gordon and Richarlison in good form, meaning Demarai Gray will once again miss out.
Predicted Everton XI vs Crystal Palace: Pickford; Godfrey, Keane, Holgate; Coleman, Doucoure, Van de Beek, Mykolenko; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.
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