Dwight McNeil could get poetic justice in Crystal Palace vs Everton after winter deal collapse
Dwight McNeil will have more excitement about Everton’s upcoming clash against Crystal Palace than most.
The winger could have been on the other side of this showdown with his move to Selhurst Park ever so close to completion.
However, the Everton ace remained at Hill Dickinson Stadium after the Eagles pulled the plug on the deal, leaving McNeil and his family devastated.
Since the breakdown, the winger has transitioned back into Everton’s squad and has been a key player for David Moyes.
McNeil did not feature against Manchester City, but ahead of Everton’s next match, he may have incentive to knock on Moyes’ door.
🏟️ EVERTON MATCH DAY CENTRE 🏟️
Line-ups, predicted XIs, live player ratings, tactical verdicts, and match analysis from Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Everton source
Why Dwight McNeil has a case to start for Everton against Crystal Palace
After Everton went up 3-1 against Manchester City, Moyes could be tempted to start with the same 11 that were on the pitch at that time.
However, McNeil certainly has a chance to return to the setup. When it comes to opponents, the Englishman has not scored against a side more than he has the Eagles, with three goals.
| Dwight McNeil’s favourite opponents | Goals | Assists |
| Crystal Palace | 3 | 2 |
| Brighton | 2 | 2 |
| Newcastle | 2 | 2 |
| Aston Villa | 2 | 2 |
| Nottingham Forest | 2 | 1 |
| Wolves | 1 | 6 |
Furthermore, the determination to prove the Selhurst Park outfit wrong to cancel his winter move will no doubt be playing on his mind.
That added motivation should not be looked down upon, and it may make the winger more dangerous than fans have come to know this season.
It will not be a foregone conclusion that McNeil will live up to the task of sticking it to Crystal Palace and Steve Parish, but it may make him more intense in duels.
With Everton seeking European football, adding that version of McNeil to the squad could provide Moyes with an invaluable asset.
It has to be worth thinking about even with Merlin Rohl proving he has plenty to give Everton.
Everton may gain advantage with Crystal Palace hungover
Another reason for optimism for Everton against Crystal Palace is due to their European competition exploits.
The Eagles lead 3-1 against Shakthar Donetsk and are 90 minutes away from reaching the Conference League final.
Glasner has already confirmed that full focus is on the European trophy, and with celebrations likely, he could opt to heavily rotate against the Toffees.
Palace did so against Bournemouth the last matchday, and it bit them in the back as they lost 3-0 to the Cherries.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Goodison News Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.