Paul Merson predicts ‘amazing’ Everton clash v Crystal Palace in Premier League
Everton are flying high after the late carnage which saw them rescue a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Goodison Park.
The Toffees geared themselves up for an all-out war against arch-rivals Liverpool on Wednesday in what was the last-ever Merseyside derby to take place at Goodison Park.
Their upturn in form since David Moyes took over the reins has been exquisite and it now feels like Everton fans finally have something to cheer for.
Everton now have a 10-point gap to the bottom three of the Premier League which feels like an impressive safety net considering where they were.
Ahead of their next Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on 15 February, Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on the game.
Paul Merson stunned by what he saw at Everton
The fact that Moyes hasn’t yet started his new winter arrival Carlos Alcaraz can only mean good news for the Toffees.
The Argentine was brought in to help bolster Everton’s ranks and instead, everyone else has seemed to step up a gear which bodes well for their future.
Writing for the Sportskeeda (13 February), Merson predicted the Selhurst Park showdown.
“It was amazing what Everton did in the derby against Liverpool,” Merson wrote. “But I don’t think they can back it up with another good result this weekend.
“Crystal Palace will turn up confident for this game at home and that will suit them well.
“I doubt Moyes can get a result at Selhurst Park on Saturday though. I’m backing Palace to win this. Crystal Palace 2-0 Everton.”
David Moyes needs to prove Paul Merson wrong
The antics that occurred at the end of the Merseyside derby on Wednesday proved how much each game means to the Everton players.
While there was a lot more riding on that game due to it being the last-ever derby inside Goodison, the fact that the Toffees even managed to match Liverpool’s level is an achievement in itself.
Moyes’ return has arguably been the best thing that has happened to Everton in recent years and, with the Scotsman at the helm, it feels like a very bright future lies ahead for the Merseyside outfit.
Even if Everton only play to 75 per cent of the level that they did against Arne Slot’s men, Oliver Glasner will have a hard time coaching his team to a 2-0 win on Saturday.
The Toffees’ defensive line is more than formidable enough to keep the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta out and Beto will be flying high with confidence after recent goals.
Only time will tell what the future holds but at the moment, things feel good within Everton.