Chris Sutton predicts outcome of Everton clash v Crystal Palace
Chris Sutton has predicted Everton to bounce back to winning ways when they face Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Saturday (22 October) in the Premier League.
The BBC Sport pundit has predicted a narrow 1-0 win for the home side, despite the fact that Palace are a “dangerous” side.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to action recently, and he looked rusty in the previous game. Sutton expects him to make a difference.
“Quite a lot went on when Crystal Palace came to Goodison Park at the end of last season, when Everton came from 2-0 down to win and secure their Premier League safety, and Eagles boss Patrick Vieira had an altercation with a fan who had come on to the pitch at the final whistle,” wrote Sutton for BBC Sport.
“It is not ‘all or nothing’ for Frank Lampard’s side this time, but they do need a good result here after three defeats on the bounce.
“This is hard to call, because Crystal Palace are a dangerous side and I am very tempted to say they will pick up a point – but I am going to back Everton to come good.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin will still be rusty after just coming back from injury, but he might give the Toffees the edge.”
Home form
Everton have now suffered three defeats in a row, the last two were away from home.
This has been a recurrent theme with Frank Lampard. He needs to improve his away record.
The Toffees look like a completely different team as if bereft of ideas when they play away from home.
At Goodison Park, they play with a positive mindset, irrespective of opponents. Still, there is a lack of confidence in the team despite the new arrivals.
This lack of confidence is due to the fact that Lampard doesn’t see players chipping in with goals. Goals win matches, and the present team doesn’t have many scorers.
That is why Calvert-Lewin can play a huge role. He has recently returned from a long-term injury and will need some time to regain his sharpness.
Lampard needs to find a system where Calvert-Lewin gets enough support. While Palace are a tough side to beat, the Toffees should be able to pull off a win.