Everton XI vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Lineup and Team News – A Test of Nerve at Selhurst Park

David Moyes leads his Everton side to Selhurst Park on Sunday with a simple but urgent mandate: turn promise into points. The Toffees arrive in South London nursing the sting of a late Manchester City equaliser that denied them a statement victory last Monday, extending a four-game winless run that has stalled their European ambitions. Yet, as the Premier League season enters its decisive phase, the history books offer Everton a rare comfort. This is a ground where they have historically thrived.

Victory here could lift Everton into ninth place, keeping the pressure on sixth-placed Bournemouth, who sit seven points clear. But to achieve that, Moyes must solve a persistent problem: holding onto leads. Everton have become the first team in Premier League history to concede result-altering 90th-minute goals in three consecutive matches. That vulnerability will be tested against a Crystal Palace side that, despite Thursday’s European exertions, remains dangerous on the counter.

Here is the full predicted lineup, team news, and tactical breakdown ahead of a fixture that could define Everton’s season.

Team News: Key Injuries and Midfield Stability

Moyes heads into the tie with a relatively settled squad, though one significant absence stands out. Idrissa Gana Gueye is not yet training after picking up a minor injury and will miss the trip to Selhurst Park. The veteran midfielder’s absence, however, has opened the door for a youthful midfield axis that impressed against Manchester City.

Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Röhl are expected to retain their places in the engine room. Moyes was unequivocal in his praise for the duo after the City draw, highlighting their energy and composure under pressure. Iroegbunam’s ability to break up play and Röhl’s progressive passing will be crucial against a Palace midfield that thrives on transition.

Defensively, Everton remain without Jarrad Branthwaite, who continues to recover from a hamstring issue. The young centre-back’s absence has been a blow, but James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have formed a functional partnership. The bigger concern is the full-back positions, where Ashley Young and Vitaliy Mykolenko will need to be disciplined against Palace’s wide threats.

Further forward, Jack Grealish is still unavailable with a long-term foot injury, meaning the creative burden falls on Dwight McNeil and Abdoulaye Doucouré. McNeil’s delivery from set-pieces has been a key weapon, and Moyes will hope that continues against a Palace defence that can be vulnerable from dead-ball situations.

Predicted Everton XI vs Crystal Palace

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
• Defenders: Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko
• Midfielders: Tim Iroegbunam, Merlin Röhl, Abdoulaye Doucouré
• Attackers: Dwight McNeil, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Thierno Barry

Formation: 4-3-3

Tactical Analysis: The Thierno Barry Factor

The most intriguing selection decision for Moyes revolves around striker Thierno Barry. The forward has been a revelation from the bench, scoring twice as a substitute against Manchester City. Only two players in Everton’s history have managed more substitute goals in a single Premier League season, and Barry is now pushing hard for a starting role.

Barry’s pace, physicality, and ability to stretch defences offer a different dimension to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s more traditional hold-up play. Moyes may opt to start both in a fluid front three, with Calvert-Lewin occupying centre-backs while Barry drifts into wide channels. This could be particularly effective against a Palace defence that may be fatigued after their European fixture on Thursday night.

Defensively, Everton have conceded exactly two goals in four straight away matches. That pattern is unsustainable for a side with European aspirations. Moyes will demand a tighter display, particularly in the final 15 minutes of each half. The Toffees have a habit of switching off during high-pressure moments, and Palace’s direct style—led by the pace of Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Edouard—can punish such lapses instantly.

Set-pieces remain Everton’s strongest attacking weapon. Tarkowski and Keane are both aerial threats, and McNeil’s delivery has been precise. If Everton can score first—something they have done in three of their last four away games—they must show the game management that has so far eluded them.

Why Selhurst Park Offers Genuine Hope

If there is one statistic that should give Everton fans genuine belief, it is their record at this venue. The Toffees have lost just two of their 16 Premier League visits to Selhurst Park. David Moyes, in particular, has made this ground a fortress of his own, winning six of his eight away matches here across his two spells at the club.

Furthermore, Everton have won the last three meetings against Crystal Palace by a 2-1 scoreline. That consistency suggests a tactical blueprint that works: absorb pressure, strike on the break, and rely on individual moments of quality. Palace, for all their home support, have struggled to break down well-organised Everton sides in recent years.

Fatigue could also play a role. Palace played a gruelling European fixture on Thursday night, travelling back in the early hours of Friday morning. Everton, by contrast, have had a full week to prepare. Moyes will look to exploit that freshness, particularly in the second half, when Palace’s legs may begin to tire.

Key Head-to-Head Facts

• Everton have lost only 2 of 16 Premier League visits to Selhurst Park.
• David Moyes has won 6 of his 8 away matches at this venue.
• The Toffees have won the last three meetings 2-1.
• Palace have scored in 7 of their last 8 home league games.

Expert Prediction: A Tight, High-Stakes Affair

This is a fixture that rarely produces a classic, but it consistently delivers drama. Everton’s inability to close out games is a legitimate concern, but their historical dominance at this ground and Palace’s potential fatigue should tilt the balance in their favour.

The key battle will be in midfield. Iroegbunam and Röhl must match the intensity of Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucouré, while also providing a shield for a defence that has looked nervy in transition. If McNeil can find space on the flanks, Everton’s set-piece threat could be the difference in a game of fine margins.

Thierno Barry’s inclusion from the start could be the masterstroke. His energy and direct running will unsettle a Palace defence that has not kept a clean sheet in four home matches. If he can replicate even half the impact he showed against City, Everton will have a genuine goal threat for 90 minutes.

Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton

Barry and Calvert-Lewin to score; Pickford to make crucial late saves.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Moyes’ Project

Sunday’s match is more than just a chance to climb the table. It is a test of Everton’s mental resilience. The Toffees have the quality to beat any side in the bottom half of the Premier League, but they have repeatedly shot themselves in the foot with late defensive lapses. At Selhurst Park, where the crowd can turn hostile quickly, composure will be everything.

David Moyes has the tactical nous and the historical record to guide his team through this challenge. The return of a settled midfield, the emergence of Thierno Barry, and a favourable head-to-head record all point towards a positive result. But football is not played on paper, and Everton must prove they can handle the pressure of a high-stakes away day.

If they can hold their nerve—and their lead—they will leave South London with three points and renewed belief. If not, the European dream may fade into another season of what-ifs. The stage is set. The question is whether Everton are ready to seize it.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.