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Everton handed major boost ahead of must-win clash v Crystal Palace
Everton have been handed a significant boost ahead of Saturday afternoon’s clash against Crystal Palace, as Eagles midfielder, Cheick Doucoure has been ruled out.
Doucoure picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the Palace’s 2-1 win over Wolves at Selhurst Park on Tuesday evening.
This means the midfielder will now miss the trip to Goodison Park, a handy boost ahead of a must-win clash for Frank Lampard and Everton.
The Toffees have suffered three successive losses against Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United, in a difficult period of fixtures.
Lampard will now be aiming for his team to find some good form before the winter break takes place for the FIFA World Cup.
Capitalise.
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Saturday afternoon’s game against Palace is a must-win for Lampard and his Everton team, Palace are a team they are more than capable of beating.
The absence of Doucoure will be helpful, the 22-year-old has been the Eagles’ best midfielder this season and has become an instant fan favourite.
The Blues must capitalise on his absence, Palace have no other real option to replace him in midfield and this should be telling on Saturday.
Everton’s lively midfield should be able to cope with whoever Patrick Viera brings in, he’ll likely opt for the experienced Luka Milivojevic.
It’s fair to say that Lampard’s side wasn’t expected to beat Manchester United or Tottenham but the dull defeat to Newcastle was very disappointing.
They can put these wrongs right on Saturday afternoon by beating Palace, this should be an easier time of things than recent outings.
Anything other than three points will raise questions about Lampard’s future, but this season is a rebuilding project and he must be allowed time to do just that.