Seasons2020-21Everton News
Crystal Palace vs Everton
Match Preview

Yerry Mina will be one of six players rested in midweek who are expected to be drafted back into the side this weekend
Everton's second away fixture of the new Premier league season takes them back to the Capital to face Crystal Palace.
The Blues have had a poor record overall in London in recent years but they won on the opening day at Tottenham and their form over the first four games in all competitions will have them feeling confident that they can get another positive result, this time at Selhurst Park where they were held to a drab draw last year.
Their opponents this weekend have made a similarly impressive start to the new campaign, winning both their League fixtures and recording a stunning 3-1 victory at Old Trafford last Saturday. Roy Hodgson's men may have lost their Carabao Cup second round tie on penalties to Bournemouth but their strong start otherwise has had pundits speculating whether they can a force in the top half of the table this season.
A narrow win over Southampton on the first of the season was eclipsed by their display against Manchester United, one that put Wilfried Zaha and his future at the centre of many conversations in the aftermath. The Ivorian winger will be the chief danger man that Everton, the club with which he was heavily linked last year, will need corral if they are to come away with maximum points.
Once again, fitness permitting, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to restore the starting XI from the last two League games, which means Allan, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and James Rodriguez coming back into the side having sat out the mid week win at Fleetwood Town.
It should also see Yerry Mina partnering Michael Keane again after he, too, was rested for the Carabao Cup match, but with Lewis Gibson having secured a loan move to Reading and both Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite sidelined with injuries, they will be the only two fit centre-halves at Everton's disposal for the time being.
Speculation continues that they will move to bring in central defensive reinforcements before the transfer deadline but, as yet, there have been no concrete moves in that direction. Talk of a loan move for Fikayo Tomori has died down now that it looks as though the young defender will be staying at Chelsea while media talk of a move for Barcelona's Jean-Clair Todibo has intensified.
The performances in midweek by the likes of Bernard, Alex Iwobi, Anthony Gordon and Niels Nkounkou will have given Ancelotti food for thought, though, as he contemplates his match-day squad. The French fullback was in electric form against Fleetwood and picked up the man-of-the-match award and while he remains relatively untried defensively, he could be an option as an attacking wide player off the bench if required.
None of the others are likely to displace the established eleven that have started the last two League matches but they, too, will be itching for a chance to impress as a substitute in the second half. Fabian Delph won't travel as Ancelotti looks to give him more time at Finch Farm to build up his fitness before using him in the Premier League.
Zaha may have terrorised United but Everton have been able to him relatively quiet in recent meetings with Palace, who are a robust and uncompromising outfit but who tend to lack genuine quality elsewhere in their side. If the likes of Allan and Doucouré can be disciplined in marshalling the Eagles's star man and his accomplice, Andros Townsend, and preventing them from causing havoc on the counter-attack, they should have the platform from which to win the game.
Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday, 26 September, 2020
Referee: Kevin Friend
VAR: Anthony Taylor
Last Time: Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Everton
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne, Allan, Doucouré, Gomes, Rodriguez, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Reader Comments (150)
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2 Posted 25/09/2020 at 07:29:50
Hopefully we will have too much quality and score another few goals. We will concede I think getting hit on the break. With James though we have the guile to break down teams that want to sit, letting us have possession and try to counter.
Looking forward to it.
3 Posted 25/09/2020 at 07:31:40
Does Pickford need a wakeup call? If he got dropped for a few games, it might be the kick up the arse he needs to get him to rethink his mindset. His distribution and clearances used to be his strong point.
Is Virginia worth a look? Maybe that's why he played Pickford on Wednesday.
Richarlison looks like a man on a mission.
4 Posted 25/09/2020 at 07:38:24
I'm sure we'll see what happened to Man Utd last week and make sure we don't push too far up unnecessarily because we know Zaha will cause damage.
It's a game we can win but also it wouldn't shock if we lose either, it's that type of fixture.
We haven't lost to Palace since September 2014 so let's hope that record continues.
5 Posted 25/09/2020 at 07:42:53
6 Posted 25/09/2020 at 07:53:09
7 Posted 25/09/2020 at 08:15:35
James McCarthy will be trying that bit harder, and also Wilf Zaha, who has 'allegedly' expressed his desire to join the Everton Project, both possibly trying to impress for opposite and differing reasons.
I think if we play as we have been, both in the League and the Carabao Cup, we should be okay, provided there are no more brainfarts from you know who!
8 Posted 25/09/2020 at 08:16:23
I think he may be more likely to play up top against our paceless centre-backs or he may test Digne defensively on the other side.
9 Posted 25/09/2020 at 08:17:47
10 Posted 25/09/2020 at 09:06:37
Opposition, hoping Seamus's locker may have been emptying out have been testing him big time lately. I think they will start to look elsewhere for chinks in our armour.
Let the magician play. Seamus will mind the shop.
11 Posted 25/09/2020 at 09:09:13
Withdraw offer after a comfortable win. Simples.
12 Posted 25/09/2020 at 09:09:35
13 Posted 25/09/2020 at 09:20:40
14 Posted 25/09/2020 at 10:27:02
Virginia is promising, but he completely imploded on loan at Reading just one year ago – I highly doubt he's anywhere near ready to make the jump to Premier League starter.
And Jonas Lössl is basically a waste of space at this point. If Pickford loses the shirt, it'll be because we brought in someone better before the window closes.
15 Posted 25/09/2020 at 11:13:12
16 Posted 25/09/2020 at 11:14:12
It is going to be a very tough game, no doubt, and I am very positive of 3 points for us.
Jim(11), I like your joker. Prof Carlo should retain his starting 11 against Spurs, but the bench should have Nkounkou, Gordon, Iwobi, Sigurdsson and Delph.
Good day @Derek (my guy) and the rest of us.
17 Posted 25/09/2020 at 11:21:00
Carlo will not destroy him in public, he will however know that his goalkeeper will need replacing if it continues.
You could see Pickford reacting angrily on the second goal Wednesday night, no laughing or gurning to cameras this time, because he knows too well that Ancelotti will crack down just as he did with last season's poorly performing midfield.
The signing of Romero or Cilleson would be another kick up the arse for Pickford; if the mistakes continued, then he wouldn't be in the team much longer.
18 Posted 25/09/2020 at 11:24:31
Will be the same team as against West Brom and it should be a fascinating top of the table match up! Palace will deny us space and look to counter like West Brom did with strong effect in the first half last week. Allan will have to be at his best to help Coleman or Digne deal with Zaha, who will inevitably cause difficulties with his pace and directness.
First goal will be major as both teams would probably be happy to sit back and counter. Set pieces could well be a big factor and I hope we do not give away silly free-kicks.
Of the first XI, I would say that Gomes is perhaps the most under pressure. He's been much better this season with a good midfield around him but still needs to contribute more either offensively or (unlikely) defensively. Iwobi and Bernard both looked good against the limited Fleetwood and I think both could bring more creativity to that position as the advanced central midfielder. Though perhaps the time to try it will be at home to a more packed defense.
For now the team will stay the same and hopefully so will the results! Another three points tomorrow would really make for a superb start and excellent foundation to this season.
19 Posted 25/09/2020 at 11:29:10
20 Posted 25/09/2020 at 11:37:33
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”
A top-of-the-table trip to London, in form and with momentum. A real opportunity to put down a marker. It already seems clear that Ancelotti's acquisitions have added steel, purpose, and from James, guile. All boats are being lifted as we see players who struggled last season looking much improved. Even the second-stringers as we've seen on Wednesday.
The fear we can't shake is the possibility that it could be another false dawn, that we could do “an Everton” with the kind of flat, disappointing display we've seen so often over the years and the wind is taken out of our sails. Losing to Palace wouldn't necessarily be disastrous, but it would certainly be a hammer blow.
I dare to believe this time it's different. Team dynamics are mercurial and sometimes things just click into place. Confidence builds, and a side can quickly become unrecognisable from its former self. I suspect and hope it's happening at Everton right now. Not expecting miracles this season, but a top 4 spot is there for the taking.
In deference to Martin, I won't mention he who can't be named but if you were looking for the fly in the ointment
Wins tomorrow and Wednesday and all things are possible.
21 Posted 25/09/2020 at 11:57:34
Predicted first 11 – very good
Goalkeeping issues – let's not get too sucked in by media focus on our goalie. He's very likely to be our consistent Number 1 for the season.
Palace are obviously confident too and it will be a tough game. But nothing to fear, especially after breaking the London curse recently.
22 Posted 25/09/2020 at 12:13:16
Can anyone tell me the difference between West Ham and Leyton Orient? Diop and Cullen of West Ham have tested positive for Covid-19.
23 Posted 25/09/2020 at 12:21:46
If we're serious about finishing top 4/6 (still putting a lid on it) then Palace should be seen as 6 points to take, but their confidence will also be high so it'll be tough.
Be interesting to see how McCarthy plays, despite his limitations, and injuries, he always put a shift in for us. Expect him to be up for this one.
COYB
24 Posted 25/09/2020 at 12:48:25
In the light of what was a poor attack against Spurs, Pickford effectively won the game by making two remarkable saves. If anyone deserved criticism, it was Richarlison who missed a series of shots.
In the West Brom game, Mina was responsible for both goals, leaving the forward unchallenged and with the entire width of the goal to aim at, and for the second failing to jump for an eminently headable ball which Pickford reasonably expected to be defended by the wall he had marshalled there.
The Salford match had no errors.
The Fleetwood match had a couple of errors which can equally be put down to poor defence as to bad goalkeeping.
With another goalkeeper, we could easily have lost against Spurs, and without the new midfield, we might not have scored enough to beat West Brom. The problem is not Pickford; he needs to up his game - a bit – but the defenders need to be more intelligent about when they involve him.
25 Posted 25/09/2020 at 13:05:40
Should be a good tussle in midfield, McCarthy was singled out for praise, for his performance against Man Utd last week, by Jenas on Match of the Day.
Hopefully we'll be too strong for them.
26 Posted 25/09/2020 at 13:14:14
Anything less than 3 points tomorrow is a wasted opportunity.
28 Posted 25/09/2020 at 13:44:59
We no longer lack the effort and energy like previously and our midfield will be far too strong for theirs and I expect a win.
29 Posted 25/09/2020 at 13:46:33
I'm more concerned about this Eze kid. When I've seen this kid play, he looks really dangerous. I think adding him into the attacking mix has made Palace a completely different side.
There's now a two-headed, very fast and talented threat to Palace. And Roy is no fool. They'll keep their shape and look for their opportunities.
This one is going to be difficult. Winnable, but difficult. We're going to see if some of our players are starting to believe in their own hype, and if they think they shit golden eggs. They'd better come focused and ready to play, knowing any team can beat another on its day.
30 Posted 25/09/2020 at 13:51:50
That being said we have real quality now with James so we should be able to find openings in the defensive lines.
Interesting subplot to see Gerry Rings boy McCarthy as I'm sure he will be up for this. Likewise, Zaha may put in a “come and sign me” performance.
[BRZ]
31 Posted 25/09/2020 at 13:53:58
Going to a top six side, in London (where we have a terrible recent record) and winning.
Avoided the banana skin of going behind to a newly promoted side in our first home game.
Two cup ties against lower league opposition, comfortably navigated.
Away to Palace presents another mini-test and one we need to win to consolidate a growing belief that we could be more than mid-table floatsam this season.
We have a good record v Palace, including at their gaff. Just one defeat in 11 visits.
In recent seasons they seem to do better on the road than at home. Roy will set them up to be difficult to score against and they have pace and guile upfront to worry us.
But I read they have a number of defensive absentees which, given the way we are playing, we could exploit. A tight disciplined performance as per v Spurs, as opposed to the more open affair v WBA, hopefully will be enough to land us all 3 points.
Like others, I imagine James McCarthy will be well up for this game. That will make for an interesting sideshow.
32 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:00:41
33 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:00:54
I'm no fan of Jordan but I would agree that he was not at fault for either goal against West Brom although I did get the sense that he thought the shot was going wide and pulled back. But to be objective he did put us under unnecessary pressure in the first minute with his attempt to play football.
I also agree that our defenders need to be more intelligent about when they involve him and in my opinion that is never pass the ball back to him. Problem is that Jordan often passes the ball to a defender in tight situations who then pass back so that he can clear the lines.
I believe it will be a long nervous season because he has at least one potential howler in every game.
34 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:03:47
35 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:09:27
To the best of my recollection, Macca never broke anybody's leg playing football and sustained his own leg break putting his body on the line to prevent a certain goal against us.
We sadly missed that sort of aggression in midfield last season.
36 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:16:00
I agree we should have been putting bids in to unsettle him for the game.
How many times over the past few seasons, have the press ran a story of whoever is in form for Everton, they link him to another club, a few a days before we are due to play one of the Sky Six, everytime without fail.
37 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:24:48
Goalkeepers are trying to be more clever, trying to dribble, sometimes it comes off, more times than often, they will get caught in possession.
I prefer the make the save or put the ball away from the danger area, whether Row Z or upfield, you do not fanny about in your own penalty area.
38 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:35:31
Stranger things have happened – like Pickford doesn't make any more stupid mistakes.
39 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:36:28
But the ball Keane played was the ideal area to take a short run and put his foot through the ball to clear.
40 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:38:23
Nkounkou has to at least make the bench, sends all the wrong messages if he doesn't. Give him Kenny's spot.
41 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:39:44
I think you misunderstood me. I was talking about the goals against West Brom where the first was definitely down to Mina not engaging and a very clever shot which I do not blame Jordan for not reaching.
The second he has some small shared culpability re position of wall but when the Defenders in the wall do not jump it leaves parts of the goal open. I do think that Jordan thought the wall had done its job and appeared to pull back his hand as if he believed the ball was going wide.
However, with the Fleetwood game, the first was typical of Jordan thinking he is a footballer with a footballing brain. He has me a nervous wreck for 90 minutes in every game because as I said many a time, he has at least one howler in every game.
And by the way this is not a recent opinion, I have questioned Jordan's ability and temperament ever since we signed him from relegated Sunderland, enduring much abuse in ToffeeWeb.
42 Posted 25/09/2020 at 14:56:08
I honestly don't see a problem for us, if we press high, we should cut the supply of for Zaha and Ayew (he shouldn't be disregarded) then we should be dandy. They are not a high scoring side, our midfield should ruin theirs and it a game we should control and win.
After the midweek cup game Gomes' place looks less assured. Both Iwobi and Bernard stand a chance of usurping André. Personally, I'd pick Iwobi, let him dribble in their half and attract players to him.
I think Richarlison will get the goals this weekend. He now more than ever seems hyper-motivated with James in the side and a growing South American contingent must help. I can see better players getting Richarlison to another level this year.
Time to be bold, gamble in a depressed market were we seem to have an owner prepared to spend against the tide. The time is now.
3-1 the tricky bloos.
43 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:02:59
Following the euphoria (and surprise) of beating Spurs away from home and the adrenaline of thumping WBA, beating an in-form Palace on their own turf would be a real statement.
Fingers-crossed.
44 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:03:52
I've seen much disagreement (expressed some myself), but what abuse?
45 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:09:00
Then the "Everton trained" part of my brain said, "On the other hand, imagine if it doesn't go to plan and we go to the derby thoroughly mid table won 2, lost 2 and already out of one cup."
46 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:09:57
Everton fans do not criticise him for the hell of it. He makes ridiculous mistakes on a regular basis, and fans have every right to voice their concerns on this forum. Don't fall into the 'blind loyalty' trap. Pickford is an accident waiting to happen.
He's had enough years to sort himself out – but there are no signs of consistency or improvement. Anybody who has played football, or played any reasonable level of team sports, have an instinct of whether a player is bad, mediocre, are very good. Unfortunately Pickford hovers between the first and second category.
Every game he plays in, fans are filled with dread as to when he makes his first stupid mistake.
Give him 6 more Premier League games, and count his mistakes, and how many points he costs us - then tell me what your opinion is.
If we are to challenge for the top 6, or dare I say it, the top 4, we have to get rid of Pickford as soon as possible.
47 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:19:08
We need to be focused from the off, and if we match them physically James Rodriguez, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin will be just too much for their defence to handle.
Looking forward to seeing Calvert-Lewin scoring a couple more 6 yarders. (One-touch finishing, Dominic, don't forget, it's working!)
Crystal Palace 1 Everton 3
48 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:23:03
49 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:24:36
Win the midfield and this game we should win as long as we don't make any daft errors and give-aways to soft goals.
If we play with the confidence of the last few weeks, I see no reason why we can't win this game.
50 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:34:17
Then you can throw in our new left-back who must surely at worst, have a seat on the bench, a decent outing by Iwobi and Bernard as a backup, along with Gordon and we are looking so much better than the tail end of last season.
51 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:42:30
In the bad old days of Koeman, most TW maintained he was our only quality player (me excepted). How things have changed.
And yes, I did get verbally abused way back on the live forum on one occasion but I have a thick skin and logged out.
52 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:49:24
53 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:49:32
54 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:52:24
55 Posted 25/09/2020 at 15:59:30
Off you go, boys!
56 Posted 25/09/2020 at 16:14:00
That would leave Seamus and James on the right flank and Digne and Bernard on the other while the center looks solid with Doucouré and Allan in there.
We need to forget about Pickford for now and just concentrate on our own game and look for goals.
Man for man, we are better than these although, as stated by other posters, one or two of theirs will be up for this and they did look good against a poor Man Utd last week. We just need to put them to the sword and knock the stuffing out of them early doors.
58 Posted 25/09/2020 at 16:31:57
We, on the other hand, are very hot and should be too much for them. Let's put another marker down and come away with 3 well earned points. COYBs.
59 Posted 25/09/2020 at 16:38:44
It was great to see Bernard so involved on Wednesday, looked to be enjoying it, and seems to be finding some good form. He will be biting at the bit to get a start. He could thrive in that role in front of Allan and Doucouré.
I suspect Carlo won't do it though as, at first, he will want to win/match the physical battles with Palace and Gomes is a bigger and stronger to deal with that.
Last half an hour if it's still stalemate, Bernard for Gomes could unlock it.
60 Posted 25/09/2020 at 16:50:38
I watched Palace against Man Utd and they seem to rely on a quick break with a ball passed behind the defense. Our midfield and attack should have the determination and skill to get us a couple of goals.
As far as Pickford goes, after all the criticism, I hope he doesn't just boot the ball down the pitch and we get cries of "Here we go again I thought we had got rid of Fat Sam's style."
The problem with a keeper is when he makes a mistake it is usually catastrophic, and that is what supporters remember about his game. Other players can make mistakes and if their teammates help them out and no goal is scored it is forgotten about.
We can all seem to remember keepers faults and I am sure Ancelotti and his staff understand keepers problem; if it can't be solved, they will do something about it.
We still need left-sided centre-back coverage and to get players who are not part of the managers plans out, before we can get another Keeper. Its no use quoting what Liverpool did as they had to pay out a world record fee for their keeper
61 Posted 25/09/2020 at 16:59:49
I think you're being a little dismissive of Palace. Southampton ended the season in great form and for an hour dominated versus Palace but they just couldn't not breakdown their defensive lines. The subsequent loss to Spurs makes them appear in "poor form" but I'd argue it was the frustrating Palace loss that started their downturn.
As for "catching United on the hop in their first game." You could easily say the same about Everton versus Spurs who were embroiled in Bale transfer talks, a couple of recovering Covid-19 cases etc. Likewise, you could argue we may have had a different outcome versus West Brom if they'd still had 11 players after they equalized at the start of the second half.
I am not saying by any means Palace are great but I think their two wins were merited and Hodgson has got a mixed group of players working well collectively. I think it will be tough.
62 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:04:07
63 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:17:19
65 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:17:34
I was probably being unrealistic hoping for better odds...
66 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:19:11
Robin #62, it's been suggested in the past, but it's anonymous. The general sentiment here is that if you're going to express an opinion, you have to attach your name to it.
67 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:22:58
NBCSN at 10am ET, 7am Pacific.
68 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:23:47
I remember the game at Goodison Park in Martinez's first season when we were going for top 4, got rolled over and never really recovered from that. I'll start to believe the hype if we win a few of these but, until then, the jury remains firmly out.
69 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:29:19
70 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:51:21
Here here, a true response to a cheap shot.
Looking at Carlo's press conference earlier, he has full confidence in Pickford, and is not bringing in a keeper. I still think an experienced keeper would put pressure on Pickford, in a good way. Spurs brought in Hart.
The problem with Virginia as back-up, he's still very raw, and a huge ask, to play Premier League football.
73 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:54:55
We have potential weakness at the back with Mina but midfield is where we must stop them. I believe that we have the class to do it and that we will be prepared for whatever they throw at us.
74 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:55:09
75 Posted 25/09/2020 at 17:59:29
76 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:12:26
77 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:12:49
Next, you'll be telling me they both have lockers...
78 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:15:47
Carlo's press conference, as Brian @ 55 notes, was a real eye opener - as Christy has pointed out as well.
He said he expects at least 20 goals out of Dominic and, if he didn't hit that mark, he'd have an issue with Dom and not be happy. I believe he went on to say that he could score at least 20 goals with James feeding him. Quite funny.
Point is, Carlo is raising the bar. And it's the first time I've seen him ever tip-toe the point that there's expectations at Everton, and if you don't meet them, he'll pretty much crawl up your rear end.
The bar has been raised. Thank you, Carlo. It's about time!
79 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:21:06
When Carlo was asked about Dom's goal tally this season, he said something to the affect of [paraphrase], "he'd better hit 20." When he said this, there was the eyebrow raise and this slight hint of power and ruthlessness.
Maybe it's just me and I'm imagining things. But I thought I saw this ruthless intimation and it actually scared the bajeezuz out of me.
I have no doubt Carlo can motivate with flowers or with vinegar. I think he lets the individuals pick their poison. Dude is a masterclass in how to manage people for me.
80 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:22:02
81 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:24:23
I'm fed up getting up early.
82 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:27:46
83 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:30:09
84 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:34:05
I have no problem with Pickford; what happened against Fleetwood, will make him more focused. I was making the point because the papers were saying we're bringing in a keeper.
Try not to jump to conclusions when Pickford's name is mentioned.
85 Posted 25/09/2020 at 18:38:17
86 Posted 25/09/2020 at 19:04:27
So let's hope Allan and Doucouré protect our back four well, some good performances through the week particularly Bernard and Nkounkou so those two should expect a run out from the bench, injuries asside, ahead of the indifferent listless Sigurdsson.
I can only see Richarlison kicking on after scoring in the week so I can see him grabbing another brace.
87 Posted 25/09/2020 at 19:16:35
I make no apologies for my defence of McCarthy. I don't believe Ancelotti would have sold him in the manner that Silva did, ie, wouldn't play him, wouldn't loan him out & then sold him for pittance. It characterised Silva's ineptitude.
Tomorrow's game will be interesting as Palace seem to be playing a lot better than last season. That said, I fully expect that we will have enough fire power to get 3 points.
Zaha is the type of player whose head drops if things aren't going well. He needs to be subdued...
88 Posted 25/09/2020 at 19:18:59
Roy is a great tactician. But so is Carlo. I feel positive that we'll give a good account of ourselves and will have a very good chance of taking all 3 points. Mistakes, or lack of them, will be the difference.
It's on Prime Video, BTW.
COYBs!
89 Posted 25/09/2020 at 19:26:41
We just have that edge of quality though and if we match them in the battle we can edge a win.
90 Posted 25/09/2020 at 19:43:35
You're right, a high bar is good stuff. And I'm always glad to see our games on TV. I get to see Rebecca (and Lily's commercials of course!).
Jay, I actually like the 7 am games. Great way to start the day. It's the 4:30 am kickoffs that kill me.
Gerry, are you and Christy related? We need one more for a three-Ring circus here.
91 Posted 25/09/2020 at 20:06:43
92 Posted 25/09/2020 at 20:31:12
I'm not an early morning person so 10 am is good with me.
Hope you can get mom home soon and be a family again. I haven't seen mine since Xmas. They are on lockdown in the UK and I'm stuck in Florida.
At least you can Facetime them at least until your favourite President puts Facetime in with Tictok and decides to ban that too.
Nathan,
I agree, Carlo looks as if he is really enjoying himself now, saying if he was in front of our midfield he could score goals, so he expects Richarlison and Calvert to get at least 20 each or they will have him to face.
Watch it on EvertonFC.com for those who haven't seen it.
93 Posted 25/09/2020 at 20:35:41
94 Posted 25/09/2020 at 21:00:02
95 Posted 25/09/2020 at 21:02:57
96 Posted 25/09/2020 at 21:25:50
Relax folks!
97 Posted 25/09/2020 at 21:26:07
Ultimately, words are words, so what happens on the field is all that matters, but it's refreshing. Koeman, Moyes and Silva all had a level of underdog/victim mentality no matter who they signed no matter how well we were doing.
98 Posted 25/09/2020 at 21:54:53
99 Posted 25/09/2020 at 22:05:23
Carlo did come across as not happy after last game; it struck me that he was not happy with the professionalism of his team not respecting the opposition and allowing them into the game. Statistics show Pickford not to be a great all-round goalkeeper that was apparent at his last club that was subsequently relegated.
Consistent good calm decision-making under pressure is the sign of a good player in any position. Overall, the organisation of the team has been improved. Pickford seems to be the remaining "loose cannon" that needs to get aboard otherwise he will find himself surplus. I have no doubt he would have been replaced already if someone rated by Ancelotti was available. In his last game may have proved a point that manager has already made to the board.
We no longer fall apart after a single set-back and teams have to play well to beat us. The level of performance of most individuals has improved and nobody can rely upon the size of their fee to play. So tomorrow, expect the improvement to continue with another win.
100 Posted 25/09/2020 at 22:36:39
Maybe it would be a smart move, as Gomes seems to give up possession so easily and we can't afford that against an aggressive Palace side. It also might help protect our ailing defence.
101 Posted 25/09/2020 at 22:37:31
Carlo said Delph won't be in the squad as he's still getting back to full fitness.
102 Posted 25/09/2020 at 22:42:56
How often many things change, not only in politics, but evidently in football too, I could never have envisaged landing our long mooted connections, but also never realistically actually thinking I would see all three in a blue shirt.
We are definitely going in the right direction, under the tutelage of Don Carlo, the big question being, is that the end of the Transfer Window for us? Or are they a couple of more surprises in store?
I would hopefully think that the back of Moshiri's sofa, ably assisted by the fat hand of Alisher Usmanov, could somehow skirt the FFP Rules. Let's face it Man City's admonition has set a precedent which most solvent Clubs will have taken notice of.
I don't think that we are there yet, in terms of personnel, but not that far away either, and although dragging the water back from 'under the bridge' ruing the profligacy of those who shall not be mentioned, thinking in Bullseye terms: "Look what we could have had!"
Rolling on, sorry to all those who are still awake for my digression, but Crystal Palace have proved to be a Jekyll and Hyde side, especially at home; let's hope it's Hyde and Seek tomorrow
103 Posted 25/09/2020 at 23:17:06
Our eldest brother, Andy, was almost a permanent fixture at Goodison in the 80s and spent more time in the players' lounge than most of the players.
At this stage, Everton is in our blood like most on this page.
104 Posted 25/09/2020 at 23:17:15
Probably just wishful thinking on my part, I'm betting Gomes will be replaced at some stage tomorrow though. We have been carrying him so far this season, he's a weak link we can't afford.
106 Posted 25/09/2020 at 23:20:27
107 Posted 25/09/2020 at 23:27:43
After two league wins, it is possible Roy Hodgson might allow his team to play more attacking football tomorrow which in turn might leave them more open at the back. If so, we now have an attack better equipped to take advantage.
108 Posted 25/09/2020 at 23:30:17
I think this current side has very early signs of the early 60s glory.
109 Posted 25/09/2020 at 23:36:56
110 Posted 25/09/2020 at 00:03:12
He's played 24 minutes in the Premier League thus far (during which time, Palace have conceded once and scored once) and 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup game with Bournemouth that ended 0-0 and then went to penalties.
I doubt he will start the game tomorrow, so Zaha, Ayew, Schlupp and Townsend are probably the ones bringing the main threat.
111 Posted 25/09/2020 at 00:09:28
But... I don't think they can mark James out of the game. If too many players go over to James, he pings it over to Digne or Richarlison. Roy definitely won't want them exposed to the two who were our main assist and goal threat in the last two seasons by them having the ball with plenty of grass.
I think a tight Italian-style classical Serie A tactical game, won by very clinical moments by us. Lots of broken up play and the dark arts by Palace, not bad tackles but shirt pulling and "accidental" body blocks to try to stop us moving the ball with rhythm.
112 Posted 26/09/2020 at 00:12:07
You're probably right. I watched the game in a pub last Saturday and had two beers. They were the first two beers I'd had since July 4th.
I was supremely impressed by the kid, and don't want to see him on the pitch. They looked dangerous AF with him on the pitch, two-beer-goggles or not!
113 Posted 26/09/2020 at 00:34:08
114 Posted 26/09/2020 at 01:00:50
Jason #111, exactly what I expect. The more whistles we hear, the better the game will go for us.
Jay #92, our concern is WeChat. That's the platform the Chinese use to video chat with the world. It gets daily use at our house to talk to Mom and Sis in China. If Bleach Boy bans it, a million US Chinese will be cut off from contact with their families back home.
115 Posted 26/09/2020 at 01:03:45
Otherwise, a largely unchanged lineup from the last league game, I would think.
116 Posted 26/09/2020 at 02:04:11
Still, the Troups have set their own bar on performances up to now, so all things equal, we should see off Palace... but its a funny old game this footy lark.
117 Posted 25/09/2020 at 04:09:35
Long may it continue and hopefully we can get back to meeting up around Goodison on match day, especially now when exciting things are beginning to happen on the pitch.
118 Posted 26/09/2020 at 04:58:17
If I'd tried to predict a score prior to the new signings, I would have been very happy with a point!
Long may it last.
119 Posted 26/09/2020 at 05:18:25
I expect tactical switches in formation during this game to be the deciding factor. This game will show how much Everton have progressed in preparation and training.
120 Posted 26/09/2020 at 05:39:52
Everton are a totally different proposition so I'm hoping we will set down a marker early doors just to calm me down.
3-1 to the free-scoring Blues.
121 Posted 26/09/2020 at 06:36:15
122 Posted 26/09/2020 at 07:34:30
Palace are not to be under-estimated. They have started the season well; in Zaha, they have a dangerous player. Townsend and Eze also need to be watched closely. Their midfield will work hard and make it difficult for ours.
I'll say 2-0 to the blues.
123 Posted 26/09/2020 at 09:04:41
If Seamus can stop the Zaha threat, I think we can just nick it.
What will Jordan do next??? Here's hoping it's an error-free performance.
124 Posted 26/09/2020 at 09:08:35
Hoping Richarlison has his scoring boots on as I think we'll have to hit three to win it.
125 Posted 26/09/2020 at 09:13:38
That makes us infinitely more dangerous and is why I think that nowadays we are better equipped to beat teams like Crystal Palace away from home.
126 Posted 26/09/2020 at 10:43:22
J Bullard talking about the incident with big Dunc... Classic:
When Jimmy Bullard met Duncan Ferguson – 'He'd lost the plot!'
127 Posted 26/09/2020 at 11:06:16
UTFT!!!
128 Posted 26/09/2020 at 11:25:12
130 Posted 26/09/2020 at 11:40:37
131 Posted 26/09/2020 at 12:03:29
Unerringly accurate description of the Boy's Pen.
How good that survivors can laugh about it now
132 Posted 26/09/2020 at 12:20:46
The only thing I don't like about it is that it is always a couple of minutes ahead of the stream I'm watching!
I'll really miss it today!
133 Posted 26/09/2020 at 12:23:18
'Hello, hello, Boys Pen aggro, Boys Pen aggro'?
134 Posted 26/09/2020 at 12:24:42
135 Posted 26/09/2020 at 12:33:15
Watching Gomes is like watching a crab wallpapering, sideways backwards sideways backwards.
And before people jump on me it not just since he came back from his injury, it's his entire career, scored 4 goals in a season once and not got near that in any other season, doesn't really get assists, can't tackle just looks tidy on the ball.
136 Posted 26/09/2020 at 12:56:22
The capers of going to a match compared to today's pallid, tepid experiences, eh?
137 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:06:06
The greatest artist I've ever seen play for Everton since our great Alex Young, weaving his magic and a delight to watch. Some commentators think he may be coming to the end of his career (but I don't think he is, he's superbly athletic but let's hope he has finished his bad run of injuries).
I think that Allan is going to be (well I think he is already!) the biggest influence on the pitch for us from now on and Doucouré is just a brilliant eater of the ground and clever too. What brilliant signings from the Professor!
However, we are still stuck with a lot of players we may well not be able to sell or loan them out. So, with a bit of 'make do and mend' this season, I'm just hoping we become a team that makes people take notice of us and enjoy our football... instead of laughing at us.
I think these signings will make other good players sit up and take notice of our club, and will no longer just not consider playing for us.
So, ups and downs... but boy – what a joy that Jimmy lad is!
138 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:11:56
139 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:14:21
Why can't we break the Top 4 this year? Why not? We look fantastic and the competition looks meh.
Shouldn't McGuire be in jail, by the way?
140 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:16:22
Going the game in those days was such a buzz, the smell of sausage rolls and ale in paper cups, it was always the highlight of my week. I'm not sure kids of that age would be allowed to go the game these days without adult supervision.
141 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:17:09
142 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:23:40
Getting ahead of myself, if we beat Palace, then beat Brighton, then it's onto the derby and who knows! However, we must be aware of Palace today. Zaha will be looking to make an impression against a team who are linked with him and Palace will no doubt fly in for some early challenges against our playmakers!
I just have such a confidence that, if we can be sure of the defence and keep Zaha at bay, then we can go out and put a few goals past these today. James, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, all looking sharp. However, I fancy Gomes to have a good game in the middle today and get on the scoresheet.
Up the Toffees! Come on!!!!!
143 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:26:34
144 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:44:31
145 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:44:41
146 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:52:40
147 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:56:28
https://www.ToffeeWeb.com/comment/live/
148 Posted 26/09/2020 at 13:59:55
149 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:02:44
150 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:03:14
151 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:04:21
152 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:05:58
153 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:08:46
Let's get our noses in front blues as if they score first then they can be quite dangerous on the counter, as they showed last week.
I fancy Doucouré for a goal today, not sure why.
Anyway, full support blues.
Onward Evertonians 💙
154 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:09:03
Thanks for the link. Enjoyed that.
155 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:11:17
156 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:25:02
157 Posted 26/09/2020 at 14:28:01
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1 Posted 25/09/2020 at 07:14:18
The Blues have had a poor record overall in London.