Everton-Crystal Palace Preview

Sean Dyche believes there is a mental block for Everton's players on the road, as he targets what could be a crucial win at Crystal Palace.

The Toffees head to Selhurst Park on the back of successive defeats to Manchester United and Fulham that have left them in 17th place.

Should they fail to win, and results elsewhere go against them on Saturday, Everton could fall as low as 19th with just six games remaining.

Everton have not won on the road in 11 attempts in the Premier League, and Dyche knows that dismal run must end.

"For sure it's tactical but it's also a mentality thing," he said. "You have players who have to be ready as if it is a home game and deliver like it is a home game. Some players find that more tricky. The noise has been long enough now that people say: 'They can't do this away, they can't do that away,' so let's change that story. It's only us that can change it. Let's change the rhetoric.

"There are many things we have attempted. The list is endless: training plans, travel plans, eating plans, beds, all sorts of different things. But when the whistle blows the mentality has to be right from everyone to be pushing hard to win."

Palace have turned a corner since Roy Hodgson was reappointed in March, winning all three of their games under the former England manager.

The Eagles sit 12th and a win on Saturday would surely be enough to guarantee their safety.

"I've found it very, very good indeed. It's an incredibly good group of players that the club have put together," Hogdson told talkSPORT.

Crystal Palace - Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games for Crystal Palace, as many as he had in his previous 21. He is looking to score in three consecutive appearances in English league football for the first time.

Everton - Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin's absence through a hamstring issue has been a huge blow for Everton, though the 26-year-old is set to be in Dyche's squad for this clash. He has a great record against Palace, scoring five goals in nine league games against the Eagles, helping Everton to five wins and four draws while also chipping in with an assist.

Palace have hit form under Hodgson, though they have won only one of their last 16 league meetings with Everton, although that victory did come in the corresponding fixture last season.

Meanwhile, having won two of their first three Premier League games under Sean Dyche (L1), Everton have won just one of their subsequent eight (D3 L4). All three of their league wins under Dyche have been at home.

Following their 3-0 win at Goodison Park in October, Everton are looking to complete their first league double over Crystal Palace since 2004-05.

Crystal Palace - 40.6 per cent

Everton - 29.5 per cent

Draw - 29.9 per cent

Updated April 20, 2023