Everton vs Crystal Palace prediction 22.08.2026 | Premier League

Everton enters this one on the back of a disappointing 13th-place finish last season and an incredibly mixed summer bag.

The Toffees experienced a wild ride in pre-season, trading a heavy 3-1 loss against Stuttgart for a brilliant 3-1 win over Newcastle before wrapping up with a 1-1 draw against Lille.

David Moyes’ men must drastically improve their home momentum because their final stretch last year was miserable, closing out the campaign with a disappointing three match winless run on home turf.

I honestly think Everton will struggle without a true right-back. Vital new signing Merlin Röhl, who cost a hefty £21.7 million, will need to carry the creative burden instantly.

Crucially, they'll have to find a way to maintain defensive focus following the summer release of veteran midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Crystal Palace enters this one on the back of a 15th-place Premier League finish last season. The Eagles somehow managed to salvage their year by winning the UEFA Conference League, but their domestic away form was completely shocking.

Pierre Sage’s men wrapped up their previous league campaign with zero momentum, losing three of their final four away games. Their pre-season didn't look much better either after finishing with a flat 2-0 defeat to Freiburg.

Personally, I think they look totally underprepared. Vital new signing Dwight McNeil, who arrived from Everton in a direct player swap deal, will feel an immediate point to prove against his former club.

They'll desperately need him to hit the ground running because squad depth is already being tested after goalkeeper Dean Henderson was forced off injured and seen heavily limping during pre-season training.