There are only four games in the Premier League this weekend and the action kicks off as Everton welcome Crystal Palace to Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Toffees are unbeaten in their previous four league games, while the team’s performances have significantly improved under new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton began their unbeaten run with victory over Brighton before claiming back-to-back draws with West Ham and Newcastle respectively.
Ancelotti’s men returned to winning ways last time out as they came from behind to beat Watford. The Hornets went two goals ahead, but a first-half stoppage-time brace from defender Yerry Mina saw the teams go in level at the break.
The Toffees had to play the final 20 minutes with ten men after Fabian Delph was sent off, but Theo Walcott’s late winner completed a dramatic comeback and earned Everton all three points.
Everton are currently ninth in the Premier League standings – three points ahead of fourteenth-place Crystal Palace.
The Eagles are without a win in six and have been sliding down the table in recent weeks. Four straight draws were followed by consecutive defeats, leaving Roy Hodgson’s side six points clear of the relegation zone.
After claiming an impressive draw against Manchester City, Palace slumped to an uninspiring defeat to Southampton. Hodgson’s men failed to register a single shot on target at home against Saints and were completely outplayed.
Palace were much better in their last game but Vicente Guaita’s own goal saw Sheffield United condemn the Eagles to another defeat.
Interestingly, Hodgson’s side have drawn each of their previous three away fixtures and have only managed to win one of their last 11 games in all competitions.
Looking at the team news, Everton will be without Fabian Delph as the midfielder serves a suspension following his red card against Watford. Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Andre Gomes remain long-term for the Toffees.
Palace will be without Jeffrey Schlupp and Mamadou Sakho for the trip to Goodison Park, but winger Andros Townsend will be pushing for a start after returning from injury.
Everton and Crystal Palace played out a dull goalless draw at Selhurst Park earlier in the season, meaning six of the last nine games between the two teams have ended in a draw.
Forebet predicts that we are likely to see another draw this time around, keeping both sides stuck in mid-table.