Everton Vs Crystal Palace

On Saturday, Goodison Park will host a clash between two Premier League clubs still searching for their first victory of the season, as Everton welcomes Crystal Palace. The match comes on the heels of positive news for Everton fans, who learned that The Friedkin Group has agreed to acquire the club, signaling the end of Farhad Moshiri's troubled tenure as owner.

Current Form and Context

Despite not winning any of their first five matches, both Everton and Crystal Palace are managing to stay relatively calm amidst the pressure. This is a unique season in the Premier League; for the first time in history, six clubs remain without a win after five gameweeks. This unusual scenario has led to a sense of cautious optimism for both teams, as they strive to turn their fortunes around.

Everton's start to the season has been particularly perplexing. While it cannot be said that they have played poorly, their inability to convert leads into victories has been alarming. Sean Dyche’s side demonstrated their potential by dominating a struggling Bournemouth team for 87 minutes in their last match before the international break. However, they squandered a 2-0 lead, ultimately losing the match in the dying moments. Similar scenarios played out against Aston Villa and Leicester City, where Everton took early leads only to end up with a single point from the games.

Remarkably, this marks the first time since 1999 that Everton has taken the lead in three consecutive Premier League matches without securing a victory. This trend has contributed to an unwelcome record for the club, having dropped 18 points from winning positions so far in 2024, more than any other team in the league.

However, there may be hope on the horizon. The return of young defender Jarrad Branthwaite is anticipated with excitement by the Everton faithful. His impact last season was significant, playing a crucial role in the team’s impressive defensive record, which ranked fourth-best in the Premier League. In contrast, this season has been a struggle defensively for Everton; they are currently tied for the worst defensive record in the league, having conceded 14 goals in their first five matches. The absence of Branthwaite during this rough patch has been noticeable, and his return could be pivotal.

Crystal Palace’s Struggles

For Crystal Palace, this match represents their eighth fixture of the season, but it's the first that takes place outside London. Historically, Goodison Park has not been kind to the Eagles, as they are winless in their last nine visits to the blue half of Merseyside. This match is particularly significant for manager Oliver Glasner, who has yet to oversee a game at this venue since his appointment; he was in the stands when Palace drew 1-1 with Everton last season.

Glasner has had a considerable impact since joining Palace, and there were high hopes for a potential European challenge this season, even after the departure of key player Michael Olise. However, results have not reflected those expectations thus far. After beginning the season with losses to Brentford and West Ham United, Palace has managed to go unbeaten in their subsequent matches, though they have yet to secure a league win.

On paper, draws against Chelsea, Leicester, and Manchester United appear respectable, but the lack of a victory is beginning to loom large over their campaign. Crystal Palace needs to translate their good performances into results to prevent their season from slipping away.

Similar to Everton, Palace has had their share of missed opportunities to claim victories. Star player Eberechi Eze has been under scrutiny for failing to convert critical chances, most notably during their recent goalless draw against Manchester United, where he squandered two golden opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. A victory could serve as a much-needed morale boost, while a continued winless streak might deepen the concerns surrounding each club’s season. Everton will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and end their alarming run of dropped points from winning positions, while Crystal Palace will seek to finally get their season on track and secure that elusive first win.

In conclusion, the matchup between Everton and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park holds significant implications for both sides as they strive to overcome their respective challenges and ignite their seasons. With both teams desperate for points, fans can expect an intense and competitive affair on Saturday.