Everton vs Crystal Palace: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Thursday, 20 August 2026 by Steve
Everton vs Crystal Palace
Premier League Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
Dwight McNeil & Brennan Johnson: Everton and Crystal Palace agree swap deal for pair - BBC Sport
The 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off in style as Everton host Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This fixture marks the beginning of a new campaign filled with hope, fresh faces, and renewed ambitions for both clubs. For Everton, it represents their second season at their modern home ground, and manager David Moyes will be desperate to start with a victory after a disappointing end to the previous campaign that saw the Toffees miss out on European qualification. The Merseyside club endured a torrid seven-match winless run to finish last season (drawing three and losing four), which ultimately extinguished their continental dreams. Moyes knows that a strong start is essential to rebuild momentum and satisfy the demanding Goodison faithful.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, enter the new season under entirely different circumstances. The Eagles enjoyed a historic 2025/26 campaign, culminating in UEFA Conference League glory under former manager Oliver Glasner. However, Glasner departed in the summer, leaving Frenchman Pierre Sage to pick up the mantle. Sage faces the unenviable task of following a manager who delivered the club's first major European trophy. Palace's pre-season has been mixed, and the south Londoners will be keen to prove that their European success was no fluke. With Europa League football to look forward to this season, Palace need to hit the ground running in domestic competition. For those looking at tomorrow's football predictions, this match offers fascinating tactical battles and plenty of betting value.
The summer transfer window has seen both clubs active in the market, with a particularly intriguing swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson capturing headlines. Everton have invested heavily in refreshing their squad, spending nearly £60 million on new talent including Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, and Merlin Röhl. Palace have also been busy, bringing in Takehiro Tomiyasu, Óscar Mingueza, and Will Hughes to bolster their ranks. However, they suffered a significant blow with the departure of defensive stalwart Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea. This match will provide an immediate test of both teams' new-look lineups and tactical setups. Fans searching for hot predictions will find this Premier League opener particularly appealing given the historical dominance Everton have enjoyed in this fixture.
Tactical Preview
Why did Crystal Palace buy Jorgen Strand Larsen? - The Athletic
Formation & Key Matchups
Everton 4-2-3-1
David Moyes is expected to deploy his trademark 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that has served him well throughout his managerial career. Jordan Pickford will anchor the side from goal, shielded by a back four featuring Jake O'Brien and James Tarkowski as the central defensive pairing, with Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back. The double pivot in midfield will likely see new signing Hayden Hackney alongside Harrison Armstrong, providing defensive solidity and allowing the attacking trio of Merlin Röhl, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Iliman Ndiaye to support lone striker Thierno Barry. Moyes will emphasize disciplined defensive shape, quick transitions, and set-piece efficiency. The Toffees will look to exploit Palace's high line through the pace of Ndiaye and the intelligent movement of Barry. For more tactical insights, check our sure win predictions page.
Crystal Palace 3-4-2-1
New manager Pierre Sage is likely to continue with the three-at-the-back system that brought Palace success last season. Walter Benítez is expected to start in goal behind a defensive trio of Jaydee Canvot, Chris Richards, and Chadi Riad. The wing-back roles will be crucial, with Óscar Mingueza and Tyrick Mitchell providing width and defensive cover. In midfield, Adam Wharton will pull the strings alongside Daichi Kamada, while the attacking midfield pairing of Ismaïla Sarr and Dwight McNeil will support target man Jørgen Strand Larsen. Palace's success will depend on their ability to control possession in midfield and exploit the channels behind Everton's full-backs. The Eagles claimed the third-highest proportion of their Premier League points on the road last season (53%), suggesting they are comfortable travellers. Visit our double chance prediction section for alternative betting angles.
Critical Vulnerability
Everton's primary vulnerability lies in their right-back position, which remains a concern despite Moyes's efforts to strengthen. With Nathan Patterson still developing and Jake O'Brien potentially being shuffled across, Palace's left-sided attackers, particularly Dwight McNeil facing his former club, will sense an opportunity. Conversely, Palace conceded a league-high 39% of their goals last season from set-pieces (excluding penalties), which plays directly into Everton's strengths. James Tarkowski and Thierno Barry are both significant aerial threats, and Moyes will undoubtedly target this weakness from corners and free-kicks. Additionally, Palace haven't kept a clean sheet in their last ten competitive away matches, suggesting goals are likely at both ends. Our GG/NG predictions page offers valuable insights for both teams to score markets.
Team News & Squad Status
Everton 📈
- Christian Nørgaard (defensive midfield) – OUT with injury, not expected to feature until September.
- James Garner (central midfield) – OUT with injury, sidelined for the opening weeks.
- Tim Iroegbunam (central midfield) – OUT with injury, recovering from knock sustained in pre-season.
- Brennan Johnson (right winger) – Available after completing swap transfer from Crystal Palace.
- Merlin Röhl (attacking midfield) – Available after £17m move from Freiburg.
- Hayden Hackney (defensive midfield) – Available after £16.5m transfer from Middlesbrough.
- Idrissa Gueye departed on a free transfer to Saudi Arabia; Séamus Coleman retired.
Crystal Palace 📊
- Zavier Gozo (midfielder) – OUT with injury, only absentee for the Eagles.
- Dwight McNeil (left winger) – Available and highly motivated against his former club after swap transfer.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (centre-back) – Available after free transfer from Ajax, could make debut.
- Óscar Mingueza (right-back) – Available after free transfer from Celta Vigo, likely to start.
- Will Hughes (central midfield) – Available after £24.5m move from Union Saint-Gilloise.
- Maxence Lacroix departed to Chelsea, leaving a defensive void to fill.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jørgen Strand Larsen competing for starting striker role.
Predicted Lineups
Maxence Lacroix brings Tim Iroegbunam in the box and wins a penalty which Iliman Ndiaye puts away to level the score against Crystal Palace.
| Everton 4-2-3-1 | Crystal Palace 3-4-2-1 |
|---|---|
| Jordan Pickford (GK) | Walter Benítez (GK) |
| Jake O'Brien (RB) | Jaydee Canvot (CB) |
| James Tarkowski (CB) | Chris Richards (CB) |
| Jarrad Branthwaite (CB) | Chadi Riad (CB) |
| Vitaliy Mykolenko (LB) | Óscar Mingueza (RWB) |
| Hayden Hackney (CDM) | Adam Wharton (CM) |
| Harrison Armstrong (CDM) | Daichi Kamada (CM) |
| Merlin Röhl (RW) | Tyrick Mitchell (LWB) |
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CAM) | Ismaïla Sarr (RAM) |
| Iliman Ndiaye (LW) | Dwight McNeil (LAM) |
| Thierno Barry (ST) | Jørgen Strand Larsen (ST) |
Head-to-Head Record
Everton news: Thierno Barry looking for 'revenge' in new season - BBC Sport
Everton have historically dominated this fixture, and the statistics make for compelling reading for Toffees supporters. Across 65 competitive meetings between the two clubs, Everton have emerged victorious on 29 occasions compared to Crystal Palace's 13 wins, with 23 matches ending in draws. The goal tally also favours the Merseyside outfit significantly, with Everton scoring 110 goals to Palace's 72 in these encounters. This historical superiority provides a psychological advantage heading into the season opener, particularly given that Everton have only lost one of their last 23 Premier League meetings with the Eagles. That remarkable run includes eight wins in the last ten competitive meetings hosted by Everton, with two draws making up the remainder. For detailed Crystal Palace vs Everton analysis, visit our dedicated preview page.
Recent history has been particularly kind to Everton. The Toffees won 2-1 at home in October 2025 and secured another 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park in February 2025. The last meeting between these sides ended in a 2-2 draw at Palace in May 2026, a result that did little to help either team's end-of-season aspirations. Moyes's personal head-to-head record against Palace is equally impressive; his last 12 personal meetings against the Eagles saw both teams score, suggesting an open, entertaining contest is likely. Palace, meanwhile, have struggled to keep clean sheets on the road, failing to record a shutout in their last ten competitive away matches. This defensive frailty, combined with Everton's set-piece prowess, points towards a high-probability home victory. Check our correct score tips for more precise scoreline predictions.
Key Players Comparison
Jordan Pickford
Everton's captain and England international remains one of the Premier League's most reliable shot-stoppers. His distribution and command of the penalty area will be crucial against Palace's aerial threat.
Iliman Ndiaye
The Senegalese winger arrived from Crystal Palace in a swap deal and will be desperate to prove a point against his former employers. His pace and trickery on the left flank could unlock Palace's defence.
Thierno Barry
Everton's new centre-forward has impressed in pre-season with his physical presence and clinical finishing. His aerial ability makes him a constant threat from set-pieces.
Adam Wharton
Palace's midfield maestro is the engine room of the team. His ability to dictate tempo, break up play, and launch attacks will be vital if the Eagles are to control possession at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Dwight McNeil
Facing his former club after a controversial swap move, McNeil has a point to prove. His creativity from set-pieces and ability to cut inside from the left make him Palace's primary creative outlet.
Jørgen Strand Larsen
The Norwegian striker leads Palace's line with intelligence and physicality. His hold-up play brings others into attack, while his movement in the box poses a constant danger.
The individual battles across the pitch will determine the outcome of this contest. In goal, Jordan Pickford's experience and leadership give Everton a significant advantage over Walter Benítez, who remains relatively unproven at Premier League level. The midfield duel between Everton's new signing Hayden Hackney and Palace's Adam Wharton promises to be fascinating; both players excel at breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks, but Wharton's superior Premier League experience may give him the edge. Out wide, the matchup between Iliman Ndiaye and Óscar Mingueza on Everton's left flank will be crucial, while Dwight McNeil's battle against his former teammate Jake O'Brien on the opposite side carries an extra narrative dimension. In attack, Thierno Barry's physicality against Palace's makeshift defence (missing the departed Lacroix) could prove decisive. For more player analysis and Premier League odds analysis, explore our dedicated resources.
The Managers
David Moyes (Everton)
David Moyes returns for his second spell at Everton with a point to prove after a mixed first season back at the helm. The Scottish manager guided the Toffees to a respectable mid-table finish last term but will be disappointed with how the campaign fizzled out. Moyes has a wealth of Premier League experience and knows exactly what it takes to grind out results in this division. His tactical approach prioritizes defensive organization, set-piece efficiency, and disciplined counter-attacking football. This season, Moyes has been backed in the transfer market with nearly £60 million worth of new signings, and supporters will expect a more expansive and ambitious approach. However, his conservative instincts remain, and he will likely set his team up cautiously for this opener, prioritizing a clean sheet and a narrow victory over an entertaining spectacle.
Moyes's record against Crystal Palace is exemplary, and he will be keen to maintain that dominance. His ability to motivate players for season openers has been questioned in recent years, with Everton losing their last four matchday one fixtures. Breaking that duck is a personal priority. The manager's relationship with the fanbase remains strong, but he knows that only consistent results will maintain that goodwill. Moyes will likely emphasize the importance of starting fast, controlling the tempo through midfield, and exploiting Palace's known weaknesses from dead-ball situations. For more managerial insights, visit our football betting guide.
Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace)
Pierre Sage steps into the Crystal Palace hotseat as one of the most intriguing managerial appointments of the summer. The Frenchman arrives with an impressive reputation from his work in continental football but faces the daunting task of following Oliver Glasner, who delivered the club's first major European trophy in the Conference League. Sage has never managed in the Premier League before, making this a significant step up in terms of intensity and scrutiny. His preferred tactical approach involves a possession-based 3-4-2-1 system that emphasizes building from the back and creating overloads in wide areas. However, implementing these ideas effectively takes time, and Sage has had only a brief pre-season to work with his squad.
The French manager's first competitive game comes against a well-drilled Everton side that knows exactly what to expect from Moyes's teams. Sage will be aware that Palace have a poor record in season openers and that only two managers in the club's history have won their first Premier League game in charge. The absence of Maxence Lacroix, who was instrumental in last season's European success, leaves a significant hole in defence that Sage must address quickly. His ability to motivate a squad that may still be emotionally drained from last season's European exploits will be tested immediately. The manager has spoken about maintaining Palace's attacking identity while adding greater defensive solidity, but achieving that balance at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the opening weekend represents a formidable challenge. Check our master betting guide for more strategic insights.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 2.10
Everton's remarkable head-to-head record against Crystal Palace makes them the standout selection for this fixture. The Toffees have lost just one of their last 23 Premier League meetings with the Eagles and have won eight of the last ten competitive home encounters. With Palace missing key defensive personnel and adapting to life under a new manager, Everton's superior cohesion and home advantage should prove decisive. Moyes's teams are traditionally strong at home against mid-table opposition, and the pre-season additions of Hackney, Röhl, and Barry add fresh impetus. The 2.10 price represents excellent value for a home win in a fixture where historical trends heavily favour the hosts. Visit our bet of the day page for more premium selections.
Odds: 1.70
This selection is strongly supported by historical data and current team profiles. Moyes's last 12 personal head-to-heads against Palace have seen both teams find the net, while Palace have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten competitive away matches. Everton's defensive record is also questionable, having kept only one clean sheet in their last 16 games. With attacking talents like Ndiaye, Barry, McNeil, and Strand Larsen on display, goals are expected at both ends. The 1.70 price offers solid value for a market that has landed consistently in this fixture. For more BTTS tips, see our GG/NG predictions.
Odds: 1.91
Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both sides and the attacking quality on display, the over 2.5 goals market appeals strongly. Everton's pre-season friendlies produced mixed goal returns, but Palace's involvement in high-scoring games has been consistent. The tactical setups suggest an open contest; Everton's 4-2-3-1 will look to press high and create chances through the front four, while Palace's wing-backs will leave space in behind for counter-attacks. With both managers favouring proactive approaches and neither defence looking particularly solid, three or more goals appears a likely outcome. Our over/under predictions provide additional guidance.
Odds: 2.00
The Senegalese winger arrives at Everton with a point to prove after his swap move from Selhurst Park. Ndiaye knows Palace's defensive weaknesses intimately and will be highly motivated to score against his former club. He has looked sharp in pre-season, netting against Newcastle United and Lille, and his pace and direct running style are perfectly suited to exploiting the spaces left by Palace's attacking wing-backs. Playing on the left flank, he will target Óscar Mingueza, who is still adapting to English football. At even money (2.00), the anytime goalscorer market offers compelling value for a player with Ndiaye's quality and motivation.
Odds: 10.00
For punters seeking higher returns, the correct score market offers attractive possibilities. Everton 2-1 combines the Toffees' historical dominance in this fixture with the likelihood of Palace scoring given their attacking talent and Everton's defensive frailties. This exact scoreline has occurred in two of the last three meetings between these sides at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Thierno Barry and Iliman Ndiaye are tipped to score for the hosts, while Jørgen Strand Larsen or Dwight McNeil could find the net for Palace. At 10.00, this represents a speculative but statistically supported longshot. Browse our correct score tips for more options.
📊 Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
We predict a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Everton in this Premier League season opener. The Toffees' formidable home record against Crystal Palace, combined with their superior squad cohesion and the motivation of starting a new campaign positively, gives them the edge. Moyes's side should control the early exchanges, with Thierno Barry opening the scoring from a set-piece around the half-hour mark, exploiting Palace's well-documented vulnerability from dead-ball situations. Palace will respond after halftime, with Dwight McNeil scoring against his former club to level the scores and set up a tense final half-hour. However, Everton's superior fitness and home crowd support will tell in the closing stages, with Iliman Ndiaye sealing the victory with a clinical counter-attacking finish in the 78th minute. The match will feature plenty of endeavour from both sides but will ultimately be decided by Everton's greater efficiency in both penalty areas. For more match previews, visit our Everton vs Sunderland prediction page.
Tactically, the game will be defined by Everton's ability to transition quickly from defence to attack. Palace's wing-backs will push high, leaving space behind for Ndiaye and Röhl to exploit on the break. While Palace will enjoy periods of possession, their lack of a genuine defensive anchor following Lacroix's departure will prove costly. Moyes's experience in these types of tight contests should see Everton manage the game effectively once they retake the lead, with substitutions designed to shore up the midfield and see out the result. The final scoreline of 2-1 reflects both teams' attacking intent while acknowledging Everton's historical superiority in this fixture. For comprehensive betting strategies, explore our football betting odds guide.
Key Insights & Statistics
Mark Clattenburg says whether Adam Wharton challenge vs Everton deserved yellow card
- Everton have lost only one of their last 23 Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace, winning 13 and drawing 9.
- The Toffees have won eight of the last ten competitive home meetings against Palace, drawing the other two.
- Crystal Palace conceded a league-high 39% of their Premier League goals last season from set-pieces (excluding penalties).
- Palace haven't kept a clean sheet in their last ten competitive away matches across all competitions.
- David Moyes's last 12 personal head-to-heads against Crystal Palace have seen both teams score.
- Only one of Everton's last 16 games saw the away side keep a clean sheet.
- Everton have lost their last four Premier League season openers and will be desperate to end that run.
- Crystal Palace claimed 53% of their Premier League points on the road last season, the third-highest proportion in the division.
- Both clubs completed a swap transfer involving Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye just one week before this fixture.
- Everton spent approximately £58.5 million on new players this summer, while Palace lost key defender Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea.
- New Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has never managed in the Premier League before.
- Jordan Pickford has kept more clean sheets against Crystal Palace than any other opponent in his Everton career.
Conclusion
The 2026/27 Premier League season opener between Everton and Crystal Palace promises to be an intriguing encounter that pits historical dominance against new beginnings. Everton enter the fixture as clear favourites, backed by an extraordinary head-to-head record that has seen them lose just once to Palace in 23 league meetings. David Moyes's tactical acumen, combined with a refreshed squad featuring exciting additions like Hayden Hackney, Merlin Röhl, and Thierno Barry, provides the Toffees with the tools needed to start their campaign with three points. Home advantage at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton have been formidable against the Eagles in recent years, further strengthens their position.
Crystal Palace, however, cannot be dismissed lightly. Their Conference League triumph last season demonstrated the quality within the squad, and new manager Pierre Sage will be eager to imprint his philosophy immediately. The presence of match-winners like Adam Wharton, Dwight McNeil, and Jørgen Strand Larsen ensures that Palace carry a genuine attacking threat. Yet, the loss of Maxence Lacroix, the adjustment to a new managerial regime, and a poor away defensive record suggest that an upset is unlikely. The absence of defensive solidity that plagued Palace on their travels last season is unlikely to be resolved overnight, particularly against a Moyes team that excels at set-pieces.
Our prediction of a 2-1 Everton victory reflects the balance of probabilities. The Toffees should have enough quality and motivation to secure a narrow win, though Palace's attacking capabilities ensure that both teams are likely to find the net. For bettors, the home win at 2.10 and both teams to score at 1.70 represent the standout selections, while the correct score of 2-1 offers an appealing longshot at 10.00. Whatever the outcome, this fixture marks the beginning of what promises to be another captivating Premier League season. For daily betting insights and match previews, bookmark our prediction football today page and stay ahead of the game.
