Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Sun 10 May 2026 12:48, UK

Everton boss David Moyes has named his starting eleven to face Crystal Palace this Sunday, and it once again includes Merlin Rohl.

The Toffees travel to Selhurst Park to take on Oliver Glasner’s side in what could be what makes or breaks the Blues’ last attempts for a shot at Europe.

Everton have the sixth-best away form in the Premier League heading into this game, and Moyes knows his way around grinding out a result.

The Toffees haven’t lost against Crystal Palace in the Premier League since a 3-1 defeat back in December of 2021, as lot’s has changed since then.

However, Moyes has picked to start Rohl after the German’s performance against Manchester City, which will intrigue some.

David Moyes names XI for Crystal Palace test

Moyes knows that a loss to Palace could spell the end for the Toffees’ hopes of being a European competitor next season, with Bournemouth and Brighton both winning their games on Saturday.

Adam Wharton has been highlighted as a danger for Everton to deal with, and watching him and James Garner battle will be an interesting fight in the middle of the park.

As seen in the table above, Everton have beaten the Eagles 2-1 in their last three Premier League meetings, so the odds are in their favour, you would think.

However, Moyes’ call to start Rohl comes with a high-risk reward, with plenty on the line in this match.

It’s a gutsy move for the Toffees boss to make, especially considering that Tim Iroegbunam also has major responsibility in the middle of the park.

Rohl has made just 13 league appearances, and hopefully, this is the one which wins over the hearts of fans.

Why David Moyes risks uproar if Everton lose

There has been so much talk of Europe and the Toffees qualifying with good results, but recent performances haven’t been enough.

The Blues have shown naivety in stoppage time recently, breaking Premier League history for the most result-altering goals conceded in extra time.

Whether that be down to Moyes and his substitution decisions, it doesn’t matter; not winning games of football will throw questions your way.

Some Everton fans have already started to lose their patience with the Scot, and another defeat here could start something toxic back at Hill Dickinson.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.