Everton predicted XI vs Crystal Palace – Merlin Rohl drops out as David Moyes hands out rare start
Everton are desperate to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday, as they take on Crystal Palace.
Feint European hopes are still there for the Toffees, with two points separating themselves and a Conference League spot.
However, they will have to get a run going for the final three matches, starting on their travels to South London.
Since returning from the international break, David Moyes’ side are winless, with draws against Brentford and Manchester City sandwiching losses against Liverpool and West Ham.
Looking to bounce back from the late heartbreak against City on Monday, they face a Palace side fresh from securing their spot in the Conference League final.
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David Moyes may rotate slightly as Everton eye Crystal Palace win
It has been a frustrating period for the Blues, who have let European qualification slip out of their hands in recent weeks.
But the hope is still there, despite suffering late heartbreak in each of their last three.
| Game | Score before 90′ min | 90’+ goal conceded | Player scored | Score at full time |
| Everton vs Man City | 3-2 (Everton) | 90+7′ | Jeremy Doku | 3-3 Draw |
| West Ham vs Everton | 1-1 | 90+2′ | Callum Wilson | 2-1 (West Ham) |
| Everton vs Liverpool | 1-1 | 90+10′ | Virgil van Dijk | 2-1 (L’pool) |
Against Manchester City, Merlin Rohl operated in an unfamiliar role out on the right flank, and performed admirably despite his lack of minutes under Moyes this term.
With this in mind, though, the Scotsman may opt for a more natural winger, with the more physical profile of Rohl not required against a side not carrying the same threat as City.
Dwight McNeil’s Everton struggles have continued for months, meaning that Tyrique George could finally get his opportunity out on the flank as Moyes goes back to basics in just his second league start.
This would be the one change for Everton heading into Sunday, though there are still decisions that could go either way.
After a disappointing debut campaign on Merseyside, striker Thierno Barry scored twice on Monday, potentially throwing himself into contention for Sunday.
Despite this, knowing Moyes it could well be likely that Beto will lead the line from the off, after being the man to do so for large parts of the campaign during Barry’s struggles.
Idrissa Gueye could be back fit in time, but Tim Iroegbunam’s fantastic performance against City should absolutely see him keep his place.
Crystal Palace is a must-win for Everton’s European hopes
The narrative as of late has been that the Toffees have squandered European football, though there is still a chance of qualifying for the first time since 2017.
Starting with Palace, the Blues must begin putting a run of form together, before closing out the season against Sunderland and Tottenham.
Even if the do not seal continental action, a strong end to the term would be a big plus as Everton look to build over the summer.
For both their own momentum and European ambitions, Sunday’s trip to Palace is a must-win.
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