Everton vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Starting XI as David Moyes Faces Key Selection Decisions
As the 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off, Everton will host Crystal Palace on Saturday, and manager David Moyes already has a few dilemmas to address. Some of these are ongoing issues, while others stem from self-inflicted challenges and injuries.
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The primary concerns lie in midfield, at right-back, and in the forward line. Team selection will be particularly intriguing as Everton has made several new signings this summer, but the first match of the season often doesn’t allow enough time for the squad to settle.
In front of their home crowd at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes is expected to rely on the players he has, even though there are still gaps in certain positions.
Injuries in Midfield Force a Rethink for Everton
With James Garner, Christian Norgaard, and Tim Iroegbunam all unavailable, Everton finds itself lacking depth and balance in the midfield. The departure of Idrissa Gana Gueye further compounds the issue, highlighting Moyes’s need for more strength in this crucial area of the team.
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This situation opens the door for Harrison Armstrong, who has reportedly performed well during pre-season and fits the need for energy, discipline, and composure more than just a name on the squad list.
Hayden Hackney is another player being closely observed. Moyes has attempted to temper expectations, stating, “If you’re expecting the boy to come from the Championship and suddenly excel in the Premier League, he may not be quite ready.” This is a valid point; while some players adapt quickly, many do not. Everton needs Hackney to contribute right away, even if he isn’t overpowering just yet.
Given the circumstances, Moyes may find his midfield options limited to Hackney and Armstrong, a pairing that carries some risk as Crystal Palace will test their capabilities both physically and tactically.
Lingering Issues at Right-Back
The right-back situation has persisted for far too long. Moyes has acknowledged the club’s efforts to address the issue, but pursuing solutions has not yielded results. The market has not favored Everton, or they have not acted swiftly enough.
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“Well, some have faced injuries, some have turned us down, and others have simply demanded higher fees than we’re willing to offer,” Moyes explained regarding the unsuccessful attempts.
As a result, Everton remains where they were at the end of last season, still improvising. Both Merlin Rohl and Jake O’Brien have had minutes in that position during pre-season, but neither offers a long-term fix. For the season opener, however, long-term strategies are secondary. Moyes is in search of a practical one-match solution.
Should they opt for additional mobility in the wide areas, Rohl might get the start, but this vulnerability is certainly something Crystal Palace will be eager to exploit.
Photo: IMAGO
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Striker Decision Leaning Towards Barry
Beto has had opportunities to secure his spot but has yet to show consistent performance. In contrast, Thierno Barry stood out during pre-season by scoring goals and making a strong impression.
While pre-season form shouldn’t be viewed as definitive proof of capability, it holds weight in the absence of a clear hierarchy. Barry has built momentum, whereas Beto has not, making the choice straightforward.
Everton requires energy in the attacking line, and Barry brings that. If he starts off strong, he could quickly translate pre-season potential into something more impactful.
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Predicted Everton XI Against Crystal Palace
Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Hackney, Armstrong; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.
This may not be the ideal Everton squad; it is a team affected by injuries, an unfinished transfer window, and an unresolved right-back dilemma. However, it appears to be the most logical lineup Moyes can field for the match against Crystal Palace.