- Everton team news was provided ahead of the Crystal Palace game.
- David Moyes praises Rohl and Iroegbunam for Man City displays.
- Moyes provides a positive Jack Grealish update.
Everton travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday to face Crystal Palace, with the Toffees sitting 10th in the Premier League table on 48 points from 35 matches. David Moyes’ side have taken just two points from their last four games, with draws against Brentford and Manchester City, and defeats to West Ham and Liverpool in the process.
In the latest Everton team news ahead of the Crystal Palace game, long‑term absentees Jack Grealish (foot) and Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) remain sidelined. There was positive news on Grealish, however, with Moyes revealing his foot has improved.
Ahead of the match, the manager discussed Palace’s European run, praised two young midfielders, and provided an update on Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Moyes on Iroegbunam and Rohl: ‘They both played really well’
Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl both impressed in Monday’s 3‑3 draw with Manchester City. When asked about the pair, Moyes said, “I think both of them have given me something to think about for most of the season but, for long parts of the season, we’ve been relatively settled in some ways. Idrissa Gana Gueye and Jimmy Garner have played very well in the middle of the pitch, so we’ve known [Iroegbunam and Rohl’s] capabilities.”
“Tim has probably had a bit more than Merlin but I think Merlin is also getting used to the speed of the Premier League as well. They both played really well [against Manchester City], I have to say.”
On Crystal Palace, who have reached a European final, Moyes was complimentary. “Crystal Palace have done brilliantly. To get to a European final is sensational for them. It’s such a big thing.”
More Everton team news and striker dilemma
David Moyes faces a decision up front. Thierno Barry scored twice against City after coming off the bench, but Beto has been in consistent form. “A little bit [of a big decision], yeah – when someone scores two goals. But I think Beto has been quite consistent in the last month or so, so there’s another argument to that. I think we’ve had a decision all season with them. We’ve chopped and changed with them, found who’s in form, who’s scoring a bit more.”
Idrissa Gana Gueye is likely to miss the trip to Crystal Palace. Moyes confirmed: “He’s fine. He’s not training yet, but he’s fine. It’s not a serious injury. We’re hoping he’ll be back soon.” His absence could open the door for Iroegbunam or Rohl to feature again.
Providing the latest on Jack Grealish, whose loan from Manchester City ends this season, Moyes said, “There are no talks at the moment because we’re waiting to see. His foot has improved greatly. He’s out of his boot he’s been wearing. I think everyone knows Jack is loved everywhere he goes and he’s certainly loved here.”
With three games remaining, Everton needs a strong finish. Crystal Palace will be no easy opponent despite Glasner opting to give his team a day off before the game and focusing more on the Conference League. Moyes has selection dilemmas of his own and reasons to be optimistic about the game.
- Everton team news: Gueye doubtful, Iroegbunam and Rohl impress ahead of Crystal Palace clash
- ‘We won’t wave the white flag’, Glasner warns Everton as Palace prepare for crucial clash
- Two future Everton stars nominated for Player of the Season
- Everton transfer news: Moyes weighs up Beto vs Thierno Barry amid striker hunt
- Everton midfield has to be unchanged vs Crystal Palace
