Confirmed Everton starting XI v Crystal Palace: Neal Maupay axed, Mason Holgate returns
Everton have confirmed their starting XI for their Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees have made two changes with Neal Maupay being replaced by Dominic Calvert-Lewin who returns from his injury layoff.
Ben Godfrey has also been axed from the starting eleven and replaced by Mason Holgate in the only alteration to Sean Dyche’s defence. Amadou Onana is still out of action despite returning to training during the week.
Make or break
Saturday’s clash against Palace will be another huge match for Everton in their battle beat the drop. Roy Hodgson’s men are in good form at present having won three Premier League games on the spin. They have plenty of exciting players who are more than capable on the counterattack and it’s essential for Everton to remain resolute in their defending.
Against Fulham, the Toffees were far too open in the centre of midfield. They lacked cohesion and gave Marco Silva’s men far too much time on the ball. With the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze on the pitch for Palace, Everton will be hurt if the gaps appear once again.
Trying to stay in the game for as long as possible has to be Dyche’s aim. A point wouldn’t be a terrible result considering Palace’s form. There’s still plenty of time left in the season and it hasn’t reached a must-win scenario for Everton just yet.