‘Incredible opportunity’… Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton v Crystal Palace on Monday

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Everton are yet to pick up their first Premier League win of 2024, with Sean Dyche’s side currently in the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace make the trip to Goodison Park on Monday evening, looking to turn their poor recent form around.

The fixture coming after the weekend’s games will almost certainly add to the importance of picking up three points.

Everton will be looking to take advantage of Palace’s plight. It’s unclear who will be in the dugout with suggestions Roy Hodgson has been relieved of his duties.

BBC Sports pundit Chris Sutton feels the Toffees can take advantage of The Eagles’ “malaise” and register three vital points.

Chris Sutton backs Everton to seal important win

In his weekly BBC Sport predictions, Sutton feels Palace’s injury situation could play a part on Monday evening.

“There has been something of a malaise around Crystal Palace recently, but they were actually very spirited in their defeat against Chelsea on Monday,” he said.

“The Eagles have missed their big guns, though. Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have not played enough for them this season.

“I looked into it for the Monday Night Club and Olise has made only eight Premier League starts in 2023-24. Eze has 13, but together they have only made four.

“They are the go-to guys for them in an attacking sense and they haven’t been available.”

The former Celtic striker feels Everton have a golden chance to register their first win of 2024.

“Everton will see this as an incredible opportunity to end their long wait for three points and I bet Sean Dyche has them fired up,” he added.

“They need a win anyway, but it will be especially important if the teams around them pick up points earlier in the weekend. 2-0.”

With two of Palace’s key players out and the club in turmoil, anything less than a win is unacceptable.

Everton’s performances haven’t been awful; the Toffees only lost 2-0 at The Etihad, with a late Erling Haaland goal sealing the win for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The next three fixtures are important with Brighton and West Ham to come in what Dyche will view as winnable run of games.

Back-to-back fixtures against Manchester United and Liverpool are also on the horizon.