Everton v Crystal Palace: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at Goodison Park

Gerard Deulofeu celebrates with Seamus Coleman after scoring the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Sunderland (Getty Images)

Crystal Palace’s win at Aston Villa on Saturday has all but sealed their safety, while Tony Pulis’ side have demonstrated that they are not going to be a walkover even if their status isn’t in immediate danger.

Everton meanwhile continued their remarkable form, albeit via a slightly fortunate own goal, at Sunderland on the weekend, and know they will be playing Champions League football next season if they win every game from here on in.

In their draw earlier this season Everton had a massive 73% possession, but managed just two shots on target against a resilient Palace defence. That defence has only improved under Tony Pulis, so expect a similar pattern to emerge.

The game was rearranged after safety concerns caused it to be postponed in February.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Crystal Palace 0 Everton 0, Premier League, November 2013

Everton 4 (Arteta, Cahill 2, Vaughan) Crystal Palace 0, Premier League, April 2005

Crystal Palace 1 (Hudson) Everton 3 (Gravesen 2, Bent), Premier League, August 2004

STATS:

Palace haven’t beaten Everton for almost 17 years, since August 1997.

Everton have won their last seven consecutive Premier League games – their best run in Premier League history

These two sides have joint second best defensive record since Tony Pulis took over at Crystal Palace. The Eagles have only conceded 18 goals in their 21 games under Pulis. Only Chelsea (14) have conceded fewer in that time, while Everton have also only conceded 18.

Palace have won three games in a row, their best run in the top flight since November 1994

ODDS:

Find odds using Betfair.com – always write them as decimals.

Everton to win: 1.36

Crystal Palace to win: 7.5

Draw: 4.8

TV: Not on TV