It seems a long time since Gylfi Sigurdsson’s Cruyff-turn and sensational whipped winner that sent the away faithful into a frenzy at the King Power Stadium.
Evertonian excitement certainly hasn’t dwindled as the Blues look to make it three Premier League wins from three when Crystal Palace come to town on Sunday.
The pleasure of the 2-1 victory over Leicester was as much down to Everton’s performance as it was the result. Marco Silva deployed Richarlison down the middle of an attack which was flanked by the pacy Walcott and the tricky Bernard.
It was Bernard who weaved his way into the fans’ favour, turning the Leicester defence inside-out and picking out his Brazilian counterpart for the opener. The 5′ 4” magician, equipped with a killer first touch and a low centre of gravity, continued to cause problems throughout the match, earning himself a song in the process.
Listen out for “Bernard, Bernard will tear you apart, again,” at Goodison on Sunday to the tune of ‘Love will tear us apart’ by Joy Division.
YouTube: New Bernard Chant With Lyrics | Everton Fans
The Sky cameras are back at the Old Lady for the first time since the humiliating 3-1 defeat by West Ham and Marco Silva will be determined for his side to put on a better display against the South Londoners.
Expect the Toffees to start on the front foot, with the attacking trio pressing high up the pitch, aided by the tireless Sigurdsson in his preferred roll behind the striker.
According to stats from Opta, Everton now have the fourth highest pressing rate thus far in the Premier League, beaten only by Chelsea, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Team News
Everton played a behind-closed-doors friendly match during the international break which may have helped some influential players get back to fitness.
Yerry Mina could be set to play his first competitive game since Colombia’s penalty defeat to England as he has recovered from a foot injury which left him sidelined for three months.
Fellow new signing André Gomes should also be fit to play some part in the fixture after recovering from his hamstring problem.
Séamus Coleman has a chance of recovering from his ankle injury in time to make an appearance.
Veteran defender centre-back Phil Jagielka should also be fit and may be included in the match-day squad.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is also a doubt for the game after picking up an injury while playing for Senegal midweek.
Crystal Palace may be without star man Wilfried Zaha, who picked up a groin strain on international duty, which would be a huge boost for the home side. The Ivorian will face a late fitness test.
Max Meyer and Alexander Sørloth are both doubts due to illness.
Ex-Liverpool striker Christian Benteke remains sidelined following knee surgery.
The opposition
Everton will know all about the danger of wide man Wilfried Zaha, and if he is passed fit, they must stop him in order to pick up the three points.
If the former Manchester United winger is available for Palace, then it will be a tough test for Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny, who has looked slightly vulnerable defensively while deputising for the injured Coleman.
The Eagles, managed by ex-Liverpool and England boss Roy Hodgson, sit in 14th place having picked up seven points from their opening eight games and now face a very tough run of Premier League fixtures.
After their trip to Goodison, Palace face Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United respectively, which will surely only increase their desire to pick up points on Sunday.
Memory lane
Everton 4-0 Crystal Palace, 10th April 2005
A huge victory in Everton’s push for fourth place, the Blues dismantled a Palace side that included frontman Andy Johnson. A stunning free-kick from Mikel Arteta saw the Spaniard get his first goal for the club before two trademark goals from Tim Cahill and a record-breaking goal from 16-year-old James Vaughan wrapped up a fine victory.
YouTube: Arteta Goal v Crystal Palace 2004
Predicted line-ups
Everton XI: Pickford, Kenny, Keane, Zouma, Digne, Schneiderlin, Davies, Sigurdsson, Bernard, Walcott, Richarlison.
Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt, Townsend, Milivojevic, Kouyate, McArthur, Schlupp, Ayew.
Prediction
Everton should have enough quality to get the victory on Sunday, especially if the influential Zaha is missing.
Everton 2-0 Crystal Palace
Date: Sunday 21st October, 4pm.
Venue: Goodison Park
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
