Crystal Palace Vs Everton

Everton is set to return to action just three days after the dramatic conclusion of the Merseyside derby, as they prepare to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The midweek clash against Liverpool ended in astonishing fashion, with James Tarkowski scoring a sensational 98th-minute volley to secure a draw for Everton. This late equalizer not only salvaged a crucial point but also brought an electrifying end to the derby at Goodison Park.

The match on Wednesday night was one of the most memorable finishes in European football this season, leaving both players and fans in a state of euphoria. Tarkowski’s extraordinary goal, which seemed like a one-in-a-million strike, sent the Gwladys Street end into absolute pandemonium. The celebrations that followed were so intense that fans spilled onto the pitch, and the joyous scenes were repeated moments later when VAR confirmed the goal was valid. Beyond the emotional high, the draw also had significant implications for Everton’s league position, moving them 10 points clear of the relegation zone and closer to safety.

Everton’s performance against Liverpool was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline under manager David Moyes. They restricted Liverpool to their lowest expected goals (xG) of 0.64 and limited them to just six shots, the fewest they have managed in any game this season. This defensive solidity, combined with their ability to snatch a late equalizer, highlighted the continued progress Everton has made since Moyes took over from Sean Dyche. With 10 points from their last five league games, Everton has shown steady improvement and will now face Crystal Palace, a team they have had considerable success against in recent encounters.

Despite their recent struggles in London, where they have gone winless in their last seven trips, Everton’s last victory in the capital came against Crystal Palace in November 2023. That win also marked the last time Everton managed to secure back-to-back away victories. Moyes, who has won his only other away game in charge since returning to Everton (a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last month), will be looking to build on that momentum. A win against Palace would temporarily lift Everton above both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the table and put them level on points with their opponents.

Everton’s recent record against Crystal Palace is impressive, as they are unbeaten in their last eight meetings across all competitions. Four of those matches took place last season, including an FA Cup third-round tie that required a replay to decide the winner. Earlier this season, Dwight McNeil’s brace helped Everton come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Goodison Park, extending Palace’s poor run in this fixture to just two wins in 23 attempts. However, it’s worth noting that Everton has not completed a league double over Palace since Moyes’s first stint as manager back in the 2004-05 season.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace enters this clash in high spirits, thanks to a recent upturn in form that has seen them pull away from the relegation zone. Under manager Oliver Glasner, Palace has won four of their last six league games, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles, where they managed just three wins in their first 18 matches. Their defensive record has also improved significantly, with five clean sheets in their last six games across all competitions. Despite this resurgence, Palace’s chances of securing a European spot appear slim, even if England is granted an additional place by UEFA. Currently sitting in 12th place, they are seven points behind eighth-placed Aston Villa.

Palace’s recent away form has been encouraging, with a 2-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup fourth round setting up a clash with Millwall in the next round. However, their home form in 2025 has been less reliable. This will be their third game at Selhurst Park since the start of the year, and they are still searching for their first win, having drawn with Chelsea and lost to Brentford in their previous two home fixtures.

As both teams prepare for this encounter, Everton will be looking to capitalize on their recent momentum and strong record against Palace, while the hosts will aim to continue their improved form and secure a much-needed home victory. The match promises to be an intriguing battle, with both sides having plenty to play for as the Premier League season enters its decisive phase.