Everton predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: James Rodriguez starts, Alex Iwobi on the bench

Everton resume their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace

Everton welcome Crystal Palace at Goodison Park as the Toffees play their first game after the International break. Results have gone heavily in Everton’s favour as clubs around the Royal Blues have had disappointing results. Chelsea miserably lost to West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur also dropped points.

The Toffees have two games in hand compared to other competitors in the race for Europe. A win against Crystal Palace can bring them back in the mix for Champions League football. Everton have been given a huge boost as maestro James Rodriguez returns to the side. Robin Olsen has also returned and would start in place of injured Jordan Pickford. Jean-Philippe Gbamin is finally ready and could play a part against Palace.

Everton does not boast an impressive home record but historically, the Toffees have a solid record against Palace at Goodison, being unbeaten in the last five fixtures at home against the London based side. A win would put them level on points with West Ham, Liverpool and Spurs but Ancelotti’s men will have one game in hand.

Here is the Everton predicted lineup against Crystal Palace:

Goalkeeper: Robin Olsen

Robin Olsen was hasn’t featured in a single game since February 15 but is set to return to action against Palace. Pickford is out with a rib injury and his return date is still unknown. Though Ancelotti said that the Englishman could start training with the goalkeeper coach this week, his return date doesn’t seem very near. Olsen is also returning from a lengthy lay off spell hence may be a bit rusty. The Swede might have to flex and stretch his muscles to get into the rhythm.