‘This game is going one way’… Paul Merson predicts result of Everton v Crystal Palace on Monday

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton are looking to register their first Premier League win of 2024 with Sean Dyche’s side hosting Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

The Toffees’ only win of the new year came against Palace, with Dyche’s men running out 1-0 winners of the FA Cup third-round tie.

Everton currently sit inside the relegation zone, one point adrift of Luton Town, who sit on the right side of the dotted line.

The Hatters take on an in-form Manchester United this weekend, which could give Everton a chance to jump out of the bottom three.

Palace sit five points ahead of Dyche’s side but have lost four of their last five Premier League fixtures. The Eagles are in turmoil, with the club yet to confirm whether Roy Hodgson has left his role.

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook slammed the current situation live on air on Thursday morning.

“I think it is a very unsavoury situation if Hodgson even has to front up to the media today and answer questions when everyone in the room knows his time at Palace is coming to an end,” he said.

“If he does have to board the coach to Everton on Monday for what is a massive game it has to be said, is quite frankly a ridiculous situation.”

This does feel like a good opportunity for the Toffees to finally kickstart a good run of 2024 form, and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson agrees.

Paul Merson makes Everton v Crystal Palace prediction

Merson has backed Everton to pick up a “crucial” three points, with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise’s absence making the visitors “beatable”.

He told Sportkeeda: “Everton are on a bit of a slippery slope at the moment, but Palace are a beatable side when they play without Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, so I expect the home side to get three crucial points in this one.

The former Aston Villa midfielder believes Palace’s uncertain managerial situation can play into Everton’s hands.

“With all the uncertainty about their managerial situation, I don’t think this game is coming at the right time for Palace.

“They are also without two key players in Olise and Eze and have shown this season that they lack the killer instinct without the pair, so I only see this game going one way. Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace.”

A win over Palace would be an excellent start to a crucial week in the club’s recent history, with the Premier League set to reveal the outcome of Everton’s appeal against their 10-point deduction.