- Merson predicts Palace loss
- References Conference League focus
- Everton with more to play for
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson sat down to cast his predictions on this weekend’s Premier League action, and has followed the trend of recent results in his call ahead of Palace hosting Everton.
In his weekly column with Sportskeeda, Merson has continued to stick to his thoughts on the end of Palace’s season.
He maintains the view that Palace’s focus will solely be on the Conference League, and although his column was written ahead of Thursday’s 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk, his comments still hold some value.
READ: Latest Crystal Palace news and updates
FOLLOW: Read Crystal Palace on Facebook, Instagram and X
Merson’s thoughts
“I say this every week,” Merson began his prediction. “Crystal Palace’s season is all about winning the Europa Conference League now… I believe they will rest a lot of players against Everton at the weekend.”
Palace did in fact rest players last weekend ahead of the Shakhtar game, and paid the price as they lost 3-0 to Bournemouth.
“It will be phenomenal if Palace can win a European trophy, and I think they should just go for it,” Merson suggested. Of course, Glasner’s side are now just one game away from European glory, with the final against Rayo Vellacano scheduled for just under three weeks’ time.
“There is no danger of relegation for Palace and with a game against Manchester City coming up on Wednesday, I’d be shocked if any of their main players featured on Sunday against Everton.”
Whilst Merson may be onto something, it is unlikely that Glasner rests his entire side, as Palace’s upcoming final is still seventeen days away.
Whilst Glasner did rotate against the Cherries last week, it was very much out of character and the manager himself even confirmed the changes and minutes were pre-planned and would be made independent of the result.
“Everton have been extremely unlucky in their last few games. If they had taken at least four points from their last three games, they would be sixth in the table now!”
Merson predicted that Everton would win the game 2-1, continuing their strong form against the Eagles.
Everton with work to do
There is no doubt that the Toffees are the side with something to fight for. A win would send them just two points away from Brighton in seventh place, and would increase their chances of qualifying for European football for next season.
David Moyes’ side has a very favourable record against Palace. In the last ten meetings between the two sides, Everton have won seven, whilst the remaining three have ended in draws.
Palace’s last win against Everton came back in 2022, when Patrick Vieira guided his side to a 4-0 FA Cup Quarter Final win at Selhurst Park. The most recent Premier League win came in the game prior, a 3-1 home win in the Premier League.
Aside from those two wins, Palace’s record against Everton makes for unpleasant reading, and Glasner will be hoping he can turn that form around and conjure up a positive result.
