When Carlo Ancelotti arrived at Everton, he inherited a club languishing near the foot of the Premier League table, struggling to collect points despite an impressive, well-stocked playing squad.
Today, he has collected 16 of a possible 21 points and has guided the Toffees to sit ninth in the league. In fact, almost 50% of Everton’s points this season have come under Ancelotti, who’s led just 28% of their league matches.
The Italian’s turnaround on Merseyside sees him and the Blues competing with only Liverpool for form: the Reds are the only side to have collected more from their last 10 games. The Toffees have lost just one league match with Ancelotti at the helm - a 2-1 defeat to second-placed Manchester City.
Furthermore, Everton have turned Goodison Park into something of a fortress this season: going unbeaten in five league games (W3 D2) while earning three clean sheets in their last four on home soil. Indeed, the Toffees have suffered just three defeats in their last 17 home league games (W10 D4).
But Palace can take solace from four of their five Premier League wins against Everton having been on Merseyside (80%). Against no other team have the Eagles won more Premier League away games (also four against Leicester).
The last time out between these two sides saw Selhurst Park host a deadlocked match, in which Morgan Schneiderlin received a second yellow card for his foul on Luka Milivojevic.
The Eagles enjoyed two threatening spells during that meeting: at the end of the first-half and between the 56-57th minutes. Alas, the game remained goalless - but the two sides haven’t been involved in a 0-0 draw for 18 clashes between them in all competitions.
Did you know?
Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the highest Premier League goalscorer this season among players who haven’t provided a single assist so far (10).
Tactical overview
Everton have scored at least once in every league game they’ve played under Ancelotti, with their attack-minded 4-4-2 lineup ensuring they’re well-equipped going forwards.
Attack-wise, the Toffees can call upon Moise Kean, Calvert-Lewin, Alex Iwobi, Richarlison, Bernard and Theo Walcott. This means a talented player is always available on each wing with two adept frontmen leading the line.
Next up ➡️ #EVECRY #CPFC pic.twitter.com/LPBu3KHvgY
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 5, 2020
Team news
Palace’s squad is far better stocked now than it has been for the past two months, with Andros Townsend, Christian Benteke and Patrick van Aanholt all featuring in the Sheffield United game after respective 10, nine and eight matches out.
However, they will be without forward Cenk Tosun, who is not eligible to play against his parent club. In addition, Martin Kelly has sustained a slight calf strain and will not be available to play.
Everton are also relatively fortunate in the medical department, with only long-term absentees Andre Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin the only players missing. Gbamin is still suffering from a long-term thigh injury.
Fabian Delph is suspended after collecting two yellow cards against Watford last Saturday.
How to follow
On TV
This game will be shown live on BT Sport 1 from 12pm.
Palace Audio
Palace supporters all over the world can listen to live audio commentary of every Palace fixture in the 2019/20 season for as little as £1 per game on the official club app, mobile internet or on desktop.
Fans can buy a Monthly Pass (which auto-renews) at £4.49 per month or a 24-Hour Pass (for a single matchday) for £1.49, by clicking here.
Find out more about Palace Audio here!
Social media
You can check out our Instagram story for eye-catching footage of all of the pre-match build-up and our official Twitter page will be bringing you up-to-the-minute match updates, stunning photos and more.
The official app
The official Palace app’s match centre is the place to be for everything you need during the Everton clash. With live stats and alerts, a running match commentary feed and lineups the moment they’re released as well as all an instant match report and post-match reaction from Palace TV, there’s no need to leave the app to follow the Eagles’ efforts.
Download our app for free here!
International fans
For fans following from abroad, have a look at our Worldwide TV Listings here. And if you're wondering where the nearest official fan club is to you, you can click here to find out.
Did you know you can become an International Member from just £45 and receive benefits such as guaranteed tickets for any home league game and exclusive live Palace TV streams for selected games? You can - by buying here!
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key moments
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