Under Carlo Ancelotti, Everton have made progress in the campaign and are set to host Crystal Palace on Saturday at Goodison Park.
The Toffees haven’t lost any of their last four league games and are heading into this fixture on the back of a hard-fought victory over Nigel Pearson’s Watford side. They are currently 9th in the league standings and a win would see them above the likes of Manchester United and Wolves for some time.
The last time the two teams met ended in a draw but it won’t be the same as Palace would be pushing for a win. They haven’t won any of the last six league games and this fixture will be a stern test for both sides.
Ancelotti would be satisfied to see almost each of his first-team players fit and available. Jean-Philippe Gbamin is yet to recover from a thigh injury and is ruled out. And Andre Gomes is doubtful despite returning to training.
Fabian Delph will be a notable absentee after receiving his marching orders against the Hornets and will serve his suspension.
The English shot-stopper has not been at his best this season but will continue between the goal for the Toffees as he is the first choice.
The Frenchman has been preferred ahead of Seamus Coleman in the last few games and is expected to start against Eagles. He has four assists so far and could help the team while going forward.
The Colombian was impressive last weekend and scored two goals that saved the team from a defeat. He has been a regular under Ancelotti and will be an undoubted starter.
The youngster has shown signs of improvement in the past few months and he should start ahead of Michael Keane. He has done a decent job so far alongside Mina.
The former Barcelona man was impressive against Watford at both ends, providing an assist to drag the Toffees into the games. He will start for sure in this fixture.
Walcott scored the winning goal and that would be a boost to his confidence. He must be given another chance to start on the left side and will play a key role in the attack.
Though he hasn’t been at his best this season, Sigurdsson is expected to start after a fine display in the last game. He needs to be at his best against Hodgson’s men and create opportunities for the strikers.
The former Manchester United man is expected to start in the absence of Delph.
He returned to the lineup last weekend after a month on the sidelines due to hamstring injury. His creativity will be much-needed on Saturday.
The Brazilian is in red-hot form and has made himself available after picking up a knee injury that kept him out of 2 fixtures.
The English youth international should lead the line alongside Richarlison. He is in the form of his life and would be hoping to add some more goals to his tally of 10.
