Everton v Crystal Palace team news: Sean Dyche faces big call amid Abdoulaye Doucoure update
Everton boss Sean Dyche cannot afford to be overly patient with his selection decision on Abdoulaye Doucoure against Crystal Palace.
Dyche confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Saturday (17 February) that Doucoure is back in contention to play for Everton.
The Mali international returned to training at the start of last week and it is now a case of whether he starts or comes on as a substitute.
Everton record without Abdoulaye Doucoure
While easing Doucoure back into action makes more sense, his importance to the side cannot be stressed enough ahead of this crucial game.
Doucoure has double the number of Premier League goals than any other Everton player (six), despite barely playing over the past two months.
Indeed, the Toffees have not won any of the six Premier League games they have played since Doucoure was initially ruled out in December.
The 31-year-old did briefly return for the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa last month, but that aside Everton have had to make do for too long now.
Premier League relegation scrap
Doucoure’s scoring ability is something Everton have missed, especially in tight games that have finished goalless or been settled by one goal.
Not only can he find the net, Doucoure is also assured on the ball as he has a pass-accuracy return of 79 per cent [WhoScored].
That is the fourth-best return of any Toffee, made all the more impressive when you factor in his position in the side – an attacking midfielder.
Doucoure’s 1.3 key passes per game is also bettered only by Dwight McNeil (1.5), highlighting his ability to create as well as score.
Monday’s (19 February) showdown with Palace really is massive for Everton. The gap on the Eagles could be two points or eight come full-time.
Nobody is expecting Doucoure to play the full 90, but if Dyche can get an hour out of the midfielder, that could prove all the difference.
In other Everton news, Luton Town boss Rob Edwards has made a new Toffees points deduction admission.
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