European challengers Everton travel to resurgent Crystal Palace

Everton seek win in order to keep their European hopes alive whilst Crystal Palace look to continue a late surge towards top ten.

Both sides will be full of confidence coming into the fixture having emerged victorious over Premier League ‘big six’ teams Arsenal and Manchester United.

Crystal Palace travelled to the other side of the river and grabbed all three points against an Arsenal side who had only lost one game at home all season. Christian Benteke scored his first Premier League goal in almost one year as talisman Wilfried Zaha and James McArthur also slotted one past Bernd Leno in a 3-2 win.

The result confirmed Crystal Palace’s Premier League status for a seventh season. The Eagles are hoping that their recent impressive run of three wins in their last five games may help them keep rising up the table. They currently sit in 12th place, one point behind 11th placed West Ham, who face a tough test at Tottenham this weekend.

Everton continued their impressive home form against the top six by hammering a sorry Man Utd 4-0. This comes off the back of beating both Arsenal and Chelsea at home in recent weeks.

Manager Marco Silva urged his side to build on their astounding performance against the Red Devils. He told the club website.

“We have many things to keep fighting for. It is important for us to keep this run, to keep playing well and achieving good results and to finish the season in a good spot.”

The Toffees continue their chase for European football knowing that a seventh place finish could be enough to secure a Europa League spot if Man City lift the FA Cup.

They currently sit ninth, two points off seventh placed Wolves, as Everton look to secure their fourth Europa League campaign.

Team News:

The hosts are set to be without defenders Jeffery Schlupp, James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho until the end of the season.

For Everton, Lucas Digne is set to continue in defence despite picking up a knock in the 4-0 win against Manchester United.

However, top scorer Richarlison also picked up a knock in the Blues’ last outing and is a major doubt for the trip to Selhurst Park. Marco Silva stated this on the striker’s availability.

“Richarlison we have big doubts over whether he can play. He tried to work with us yesterday, and felt different again.”

Theo Walcott is also a doubt through illness and will be monitored ahead of Saturday’s game.

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