Everton plays Crystal Palace on Thursday evening, hoping to ensure their Premier League place for next season. The Toffees enter their last home game of the season 16th in the league, one point ahead of Leeds United and two points ahead of Burnley, respectively, with a game in hand over the former.
They must, however, go to Arsenal on the last day, and only a win on Thursday will save them from a tense day at the Emirates. Everton haven’t been demoted since 1951, but it will take a remarkable effort to keep that record intact. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace sit 13th and might yet finish in the top half with a great finish. Patrick Vieira’s squad travels to Goodison Park unbeaten in four games and will be optimistic of defeating Everton for the third time in all competitions in 2021/22.
How to Watch Everton versus Crystal Palace Live on TV/Stream
- When does the game begin? Thursday, May 19, 19:45 (BST)
- Where is the game being held?
- Is there a Goodison Park TV channel or live stream?
- Highlights? Not aired in the UK (UK), fubo TV (US) Sky Sports Football Referee on YouTube?
- VAR Anthony Taylor? Dean, Mike
News about the Everton team
Everton suffered further more casualties over the weekend, with Michael Keane out due to sickness, and both Jarrad Branthwaite and Salomon Rondon sent off and banned. However, Frank Lampard has received a boost with Keane’s availability, and Donny van de Beek might possibly return in midfield. Ben Godfrey, a centre-back, is fighting his way back into the squad. The Toffees, on the other hand, will be missing Yerry Mina and Fabian Delph.
News about the Crystal Palace squad
James McArthur missed the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa but might return today, while Nathan Ferguson is still out. Patrick Vieira will be able to select from a completely fit team for the trip to Goodison Park.
Head-to-head record between Everton and Crystal Palace
Everton enjoy a historic advantage against Palace and have not lost at home to the Eagles since September 2014. However, the London club has already beaten the Toffees twice this season at Selhurst Park by a combined score of 7-1 – 3-1 in the Premier League and 4-0 in the FA Cup a few months ago. The outcome on Thursday may be determined by Lampard’s ability to exorcise those demons.
- Everton triumphs with 22 points.
- Crystal Palace has 15 victories
- And 18 draws.
Score prediction for Everton against Crystal Palace
Everton’s season is on the line here. If they win, they will escape an agonizing final-day survival struggle away to Arsenal. But if they don’t, the terrifying prospect of relegation will continue to stalk them down.
Everton have been great at home against Palace in recent years, but Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze appear to be constructed to cause problems for Lampard’s patched-up defense.
Although the supporters will be out in force once more, it will be a stressful night at Goodison Park, and while Everton should be able to escape loss, they may be unable to win that all-important, safety-clinching victory.
Prediction: Everton 2-2 Crystal Palace