Wilfried Zaha starts on the bench for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this afternoon, with the Eagles set to take on the Blues in their respective opening Premier League fixture.
The Ivory Coast interntional was confirmed to be in contention to play today after Roy Hodgson revealed he would be ready if called upon on Friday, however the forward hasn’t made the former England manager’s starting line-up.
Zaha got back late from his extended holiday, due to his participation in the African Cup of Nations, and he was always a doubt for the game, even before Everton’s transfer saga occurred.
Zaha notable handed in a transfer request on Wednesday in an attempt to force through a transfer to Goodison Park on Deadline Day.
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Of course it’s a good sign that Zaha isn’t playing for Palace, he is notably their best player and would undoubtedly have caused the club issues.
Sure, he could still emerge from the bench, but the club must see his lack of a starting position as a huge positive going into a fixture that both sides will be desperate to win.
Everton’s team is largely bereft of new signings, with three on the bench and none in the line-up, but there is still a feeling of optimism online ahead of the 3pm clash in Croydon.
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