Mark Lawrenson predicts result of Everton Premier League clash v Crystal Palace
Mark Lawrenson has delivered his prediction for the huge Premier League clash between Everton and Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon [22 April].
Since Roy Hodgson’s return to Selhurst Park last month the Eagles have picked up three wins on the bounce, taking them well away from the relegation zone on 36 points, while Sean Dyche’s Toffees have only picked up a point and lost 3-1 at home to Fulham last weekend (15 April).
Everton will be looking for a three-point separation from the drop zone when they travel to South London this weekend, but Lawrenson believes that Everton will pick up the three points in what’s expected to be a “scrappy” game.
Providing his predictions for his Paddy Power column [21 April], the former Liverpool defender unexpectedly backed out-of-sorts Everton to beat in-form Palace.
He said: “Crystal Palace are flying and I thought Everton would get something against Fulham when they got it back to 1-1 but it wasn’t to be. I just feel that this might be an Everton win. I expect it to be really, really scrappy and if you’re Sean Dyche you’re going to make sure that the better Palace players don’t get many opportunities on the ball.
“Crystal Palace 0-1 Everton.”
Crucial
It was a dreadful performance from Everton in the 3-1 defeat against Fulham, a side missing a few of their best players and putting out a few players who have barely played all season. The Blues were worryingly outthought and outclassed, something that has largely become uncharacteristic since Dyche’s arrival.
Goodison Park is where the Toffees are expected to pick up most of their points in their crucial run-in so to lose as they did is a crushing blow to their survival hopes, especially seeing as they simply cannot pick up points away from home.
Saturday’s clash at Crystal Palace will be incredibly difficult given the Eagles’ new-found confidence under Hogdson and this a clash the Toffees can ill-afford to lose and take for granted.
Lawrenson is right, this should be a “scrappy” game but one which Dyche will certainly expect and relish. The question is, can his players relish the challenge and are they up to the task after last weekend’s debacle?
Their recent results away from home suggest some more bad news is in the offing for the Everton faithful.