Crystal Palace vs Everton: Predicted Lineup, Team News, and the Final Push for Premier League Safety

Selhurst Park is set for a Sunday afternoon showdown with massive implications at both ends of the Premier League table. Crystal Palace host Everton, and for Oliver Glasner’s side, this is more than just another fixture—it is the chance to mathematically secure their top-flight status. Sitting seven points clear of the relegation zone with only three matches remaining, a victory would confirm safety and allow the Eagles to shift their full focus to the UEFA Conference League final. But this is no straightforward task. Fatigue from a gruelling European run, a historically poor head-to-head record against the Toffees, and a pressing need for attacking efficiency make this one of the most critical afternoons of Palace’s season.

Everton arrive in south London with their own survival ambitions still alive, but the pressure is squarely on the home side to deliver. Glasner must navigate a squad stretched by Thursday night’s Conference League semi-final success against Shakhtar Donetsk, while balancing the medical data that will dictate his selection. Here is the full breakdown of the team news, predicted lineup, and what to expect from a match that could define the final chapter of Palace’s campaign.

The European Hangover: How Glasner Will Rotate His Squad

Crystal Palace’s remarkable run to the Conference League final in Leipzig has been a triumph of resilience and tactical discipline. But that success comes at a cost. After a high-intensity 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday night, the Eagles have had barely 72 hours to recover before facing a dogged Everton side. Glasner has been candid about the toll, confirming that he will rely heavily on medical data to determine his best XI on Saturday.

The manager’s words carry weight. Palace have drawn five home games goalless this season, and only Burnley and Wolves have scored fewer league goals. The offensive struggles are not new—they rank 19th for shots since January—and the fatigue factor only amplifies the concern. Expect heavy rotation. Key figures like Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell, and Jean-Philippe Mateta are all candidates for a rest. Their replacements, however, will need to step up quickly.

Here is a look at the likely changes:

• Adam Wharton: The midfield engine has been a revelation this season but looked leggy in the closing stages against Shakhtar. Expect Jefferson Lerma or Naouirou Ahamada to slot in.
• Tyrick Mitchell: The left-back has been a constant presence, but with Daniel Muñoz available and a need for fresh legs, Mitchell could be given a breather.
• Jean-Philippe Mateta: The striker has shouldered the scoring burden but has gone quiet in recent weeks. Odsonne Édouard or even a false-nine role for Eberechi Eze could be on the cards.
• Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr: Both wingers are likely to drop to the bench, with Michael Olise and Matheus Franca pushing for starts after impactful cameos midweek.

Glasner’s rotation is a calculated gamble. He knows that a win here is the fastest route to ending the league anxiety, allowing him to rest key players in the final two games before the final in Leipzig. But if the changes disrupt the rhythm, Everton will be ready to pounce.

Head-to-Head Nightmare: Why Palace Must Break a Dismal Record

For all the positivity around Palace’s home form—they are unbeaten in eight at Selhurst Park—the historical data against Everton is a stark warning. The Eagles have won just one of their last 22 league meetings with the Toffees. That solitary victory came in 2021, and since then, Glasner’s side have lost three straight encounters against today’s visitors. This is a genuine bogey team.

Everton, under Sean Dyche, are a side built to frustrate. They defend deep, win aerial duels, and capitalise on set pieces. Palace’s recent inability to break down low blocks has been a recurring theme—those five goalless home draws are evidence of a team that creates chances but fails to convert. The head-to-head record only reinforces the psychological hurdle.

However, there is a counter-narrative. Palace’s unbeaten home run includes draws against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City. They have shown they can compete with the best. The difference on Sunday will be attacking sharpness. If Glasner’s rotated side can find the early goal, it could shatter the pattern. If they struggle, Everton will be happy to settle for a point and hope to nick three on the counter.

Team News: Injuries and the Fringe Player Opportunity

The injury list at Selhurst Park remains significant, but there is a silver lining for some fringe players. Eddie Nketiah, Evann Guessand, and Cheick Doucouré are all confirmed absentees. Nketiah’s absence is particularly frustrating, as the striker had shown flashes of form before his latest setback. Guessand, a summer signing, has been limited to cameos, while Doucouré’s long-term injury has robbed the midfield of its steel.

These absences open the door for younger options. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, the 21-year-old winger who impressed on loan at Charlton Athletic last season, could earn his first league start. His direct running and eye for goal offer a different dimension. Similarly, David Ozoh—a combative midfielder—might get a chance to prove his worth in the engine room.

For Everton, Dyche has his own selection headaches. Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a doubt with a hamstring issue, while Amadou Onana is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. The Toffees will likely rely on Beto to lead the line, supported by Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison on the flanks. Their game plan is predictable but effective: absorb pressure, hit on the break, and exploit set pieces.

Predicted Lineup and Tactical Battle: How Palace Can Win

Based on Glasner’s rotation patterns and the medical data, here is the predicted Crystal Palace XI to face Everton:

• Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
• Defenders: Daniel Muñoz, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guéhi, Nathaniel Clyne
• Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma, Naouirou Ahamada, Eberechi Eze
• Forwards: Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Odsonne Édouard

This lineup sacrifices some defensive solidity for fresh legs and creativity. Lerma and Ahamada provide energy in midfield, while Olise and Franca offer flair out wide. Édouard, who has struggled for consistency, will be the focal point. The key tactical battle will be in the final third. Palace must avoid the pattern of sideways passing that has plagued them in those goalless draws. Quick transitions and direct runs at Everton’s backline—specifically targeting the space behind full-backs—will be essential.

Defensively, Palace must be wary of set pieces. Everton rank among the top five teams for goals from dead-ball situations, and with Andersen and Guéhi both strong in the air, this is an area that could decide the match. Glasner will also need to manage the game intelligently: if Palace lead, they cannot afford to sit back and invite pressure. The Conference League final is a reward for their season, but the league safety must come first.

Conclusion: The Moment of Truth at Selhurst Park

Sunday afternoon represents a crossroads for Crystal Palace. A win against Everton would be cathartic—a validation of their European run and a guarantee of another season in the Premier League. It would allow Glasner to rotate freely in the final two fixtures, resting his stars for the showpiece in Leipzig. But a slip-up, especially given the historical weight of this fixture, would drag the tension into the final week of the season.

The narrative is set: fatigue versus desperation, a poor record against a stubborn opponent, and a manager relying on data to make the right calls. For the fans at Selhurst Park, the atmosphere will be electric. They know their team is capable of brilliance—the unbeaten home run proves it. Now, it is about execution. If Palace can find the net early, they will likely secure the three points that confirm survival. If they falter, Everton will remind them that history does not change easily.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Everton. A gritty, hard-fought victory, sealed by a moment of magic from Eberechi Eze. Survival secured. The final push begins.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.