This Everton star can help Jack Grealish secure victory vs Crystal Palace more than anyone, and it’s not Beto
Everton will have to be at their very best if they are to end Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run in the Premier League on Sunday.
Crystal Palace are slight favourites against Everton, with the Eagles’ last-minute winner against Liverpool on Sunday powering them to third in the table.
Oliver Glasner‘s side lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in the summer, but have continued to thrive in the wake of their FA Cup-winning campaign.
But Everton have not lost to Crystal Palace since 2022, and will hope to continue their own unbeaten streak at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes has retained the backing of Everton fans, despite the Toffees being on a barren run of four games without victory.
Everton will need to be strong in midfield
Much of Crystal Palace’s danger comes from their ability to move the ball quickly in midfield.
Against Liverpool, Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton were able to bypass Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister constantly, resulting in numerous opportunities on the break for the home side.
And in Ismaila Sarr, Yeremi Pino and Jean-Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace have pace to burn, and the quality to create.
| Adam Wharton | Vs Liverpool (H) | Daichi Kamada |
| 4 | Chances created | 1 |
| 3 | Successful dribbles | 0 |
| 15/22 | Accurate passes | 21/28 |
| 4 | Recoveries | 5 |
| 5 | Duels won | 4 |
Idrissa Gueye and James Garner will be tasked with going where the Liverpool midfielders could not, and to do that, they will need to stick closely to their men.
Wharton, in particular, is more than capable of dribbling away from the press to drive forward, but Gueye can hamper the England international by getting tight and aggressive from the get-go.
Stop Wharton and Kamada, and Everton will cut out the supply to the danger men going forward.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be unavailable after picking up his fifth booking against West Ham, and the midfielder’s ability to press will be sorely missed.
Moyes may opt for the more attacking replacement in Carlos Alcaraz, but if Merlin Rohl is available, the German’s physicality could prove key in the midfield battle.
Jack Grealish can cause issues for Crystal Palace
Glasner is largely wedded to his three at the back system, and given Crystal Palace’s danger in wide areas, it is easy to see why.
Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz are rapid, and extremely effective in the opposing half when allowed to drive forward.
The constant overlaps allow for Pino and Sarr to drive into the box, meaning the Eagles can often have three, four, or even five bodies awaiting a cross.
| Jack Grealish | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Shots | 7 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Chances created | 17 |
| Successful dribbles | 9 |
| Fouls won | 22 |
Iliman Ndiaye is set for a difficult afternoon up against the more defensive of the pair in Mitchell, with the superb Marc Guehi placed behind him.
But Jack Grealish could find some enjoyment up against Munoz and Chris Richards, with the former often leaving space to run into.
The England international has been superb for Everton this season, and can be devastating when afforded the space to run at his man.
That being said, Grealish will have defensive responsibilities, too, with Vitalli Mykolenko set to be outnumbered on the left.
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