The stage is set for a riveting Premier League clash this Sunday as Everton host Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 BST. Both sides enter the contest with plenty at stake and a handful of intriguing storylines swirling around their respective camps. For Everton, a string of disappointing home draws has left supporters anxious, while Crystal Palace arrive in Merseyside boasting the longest unbeaten run in the top five European leagues—an astonishing 19 games without defeat across all competitions.
Everton’s most recent outing saw them held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United at home on Monday, September 29, 2025. The result typified the Toffees’ season so far: plenty of industry and effort, but not quite enough cutting edge or consistency to secure all three points. “It’s been frustrating,” admitted manager David Moyes in his pre-match press conference on Friday, as he addressed the growing pressure and mounting injuries hampering his squad.
Those injuries—and suspensions—are a major talking point ahead of Sunday’s encounter. Everton will be without influential midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who is serving a one-game suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against West Ham. Moyes now faces a tactical conundrum: who steps into that crucial midfield role? He could opt for the defensive solidity of Tim Iroegbunam or take a more attacking approach with Charly Alcaraz. Some fans have even called for Iliman Ndiaye to be deployed as a false nine, with Tyler Dibling or Alcaraz pushing up the pitch. The manager, however, has so far shown a tendency to stick with what he knows, rarely making sweeping changes unless absolutely necessary.
Everton’s injury list doesn’t make things any easier. Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Merlin Rohl is out with a hip problem. The expected starting eleven, based on the latest team news, features Jordan Pickford in goal, a back line of Jake O’Brien, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, and Vitaliy Mykolenko, with Idrissa Gueye and James Garner anchoring the midfield. Jack Grealish, who has been a creative spark since arriving on loan from Manchester City, is likely to start alongside Iliman Ndiaye and either Carlos Alcaraz or Tim Iroegbunam, with Beto leading the line.
The bench is a testament to Everton’s current squad depth issues, with goalkeepers Mark Travers and Tom King joined by Adam Aznou, Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman, Dwight McNeil, Tyler Dibling, Tim Iroegbunam, and Thierno Barry. Moyes will have to be at his tactical best to get a result against a red-hot Palace side.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are flying high under the stewardship of Oliver Glasner. The Eagles have not only gone 19 games unbeaten in all competitions, but they also come into this fixture off the back of a statement 2-0 win away at Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Conference League. Last weekend, they dispatched Everton’s city rivals Liverpool, further underlining their credentials as one of the Premier League’s form teams.
Glasner’s revolution at Palace has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite losing star players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, he has molded a squad that mixes unheralded talents with shrewd signings, turning them into a genuine force. “Glasner has completely transformed this club into a real force in the Premier League,” noted one observer, capturing the mood of excitement among Palace supporters.
Palace’s team news is largely positive, though they too have some injury concerns. Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are still nursing knee injuries, while Caleb Kporha (back) and Walter Benitez (hand) are also unavailable. Glasner is expected to restore Tyrick Mitchell and Ismaila Sarr to the starting lineup after rotating his squad in Europe, with Borna Sosa and Will Hughes making way. Yeremy Pino, who recorded two assists in the midweek European win, is pushing for a bigger Premier League impact.
The visitors’ likely starting eleven features Dean Henderson in goal, a defensive trio of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi, with Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell operating as wing-backs. Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada should anchor the midfield, while Ismaila Sarr and Yeremy Pino support Jean-Philippe Mateta up front.
Statistically, Palace are one of the most in-form sides in Europe. They have won three of their last four league matches and have collected three points in two of their three away games so far this season. The Eagles’ defensive discipline and attacking flair have made them a tough nut to crack, and they’ll be eager to extend their unbeaten streak against an Everton side still searching for answers at home.
Bookmakers have taken note of Palace’s hot streak, pricing them at 15/8 to win on Sunday—an implied probability of 34.8%. Everton, despite being unbeaten at home in the league, have only managed one victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium this campaign and are listed at 8/5. The draw, which has occurred twice in Everton’s home fixtures, is valued at 11/5. For those expecting a tight, cagey affair, under 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in each of Everton’s last four Premier League outings and is available at 4/6.
One subplot to watch is the battle between Jack Grealish and Palace’s Colombian wing-back Daniel Munoz. Grealish has drawn more fouls than any other player in the league this season, and Munoz—already booked twice in the Premier League—will need to tread carefully. “Munoz has been booked twice already this campaign, and I sense a third will be picked up here,” predicted a pundit, noting Grealish’s knack for winning fouls and getting opponents into the referee’s notebook.
For Everton, this match represents arguably their toughest home test of the season so far. With injuries mounting and key players suspended, Moyes will be hoping his side can summon the resilience that has defined his best teams during difficult spells. Evertonians, meanwhile, are eager to see a more adventurous approach, perhaps with young talents like Tyler Dibling or Thierno Barry getting a chance to shine.
As for Palace, the challenge will be to maintain their momentum and keep their remarkable unbeaten run alive. Glasner’s men have shown they can win on the road, and their blend of organization and attacking verve makes them favorites in many eyes—even away from home.
With both teams facing pressure and opportunity in equal measure, Sunday’s match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Everton’s home resilience will be put to the test by a Palace side brimming with confidence and quality. One thing’s for sure: with so much on the line, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium. As the action unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Eagles can soar yet again, or if the Toffees can finally turn promise into points in front of their faithful supporters.
