McNeil's expectations of Everton opener

First-team

2 hours ago

Dwight McNeil knows Crystal Palace face a testing start to the 2026/27 Premier League season away at Everton – but has backed his new teammates to rise to the challenge.

The former Toffee spent four seasons on the blue half of Merseyside, winning Everton’s Young Player of the Season and making 34 goal contributions (15 goals, 19 assists) in 128 appearances, prior to his switch to South London earlier this month.

McNeil could now be set to make his competitive Palace debut as the Eagles kick off 26/27 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon – but the 26-year-old is setting aside the occasion of his return, and is instead fully focused on claiming three points.

“I'm really looking forward to it,” McNeil told cpfc.co.uk of the new season.

“I'd say that's one of the reasons why I came here: for a new challenge. I'm really looking forward to seeing what this season can bring for the lads, and for the club.

“There's another competition to focus on this year as well, with the Europa League. That's a massive competition for us this season.

Quote Icons

It’ll be nice to see the lads there again – but there's a job to be done
—Dwight McNeil

“It all starts this week with a good opening game at the weekend against Everton. It’ll be nice to see the lads there again – but there's a job to be done. We want to get off to a winning start and get three points on the board.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge: first game of the season away. They’re at home and we know their fans are going to be behind them.

“It'll be good to see everyone, but I'm more focused on us. We want to go there. We want to get off to that winning start.

“We know how important form is in the Premier League and how important it is to get the wins as early as possible to get the most points you can. That's what we're going to look to do.”

McNeil made his non-competitive debut for Palace in Saturday’s pre-season defeat in Freiburg, and noted: “I really enjoyed it. It's a different challenge playing against a really good German team.

“For me, it's just trying to get used to the formation and see how the lads play a little bit. The main stage starts on Saturday, so I’ve got to be ready for it.

“This first week has been good. The lads have helped me settle in really quickly, to be fair. I've really enjoyed it.

“It's different getting used to a new group, but the lads have made me feel at home and I'm looking forward to getting to know them more as well.

“Playing in Europe a completely new challenge. I've never done it before and I'm really looking forward to just being part of it and trying to help the team out the best I can.”

As for Saturday, McNeil just wants to: “Have a positive start to the season and kick on from there.

“The Premier League is such a difficult league to play in. All you've got to do is go at it one game at a time.

“Our game is against Everton on this Saturday. We're going to prepare correctly and try to win it.”

Match Details

Everton v Crystal Palace

Saturday, 22nd August
15:00 BST
Premier League
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.

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