Everton predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: James Rodriguez starts, Alex Iwobi on the bench
Yerry Mina could start in place of Ben Godfrey in the Everton central defence
Defence:
Right back: Mason Holgate
Everton captain Seamus Coleman lead the Republic of Ireland in the International break and featured in all three games. In fact, the Irishman played the entire 90 minutes in the two FIFA World Cup qualifiers as well as in the friendly against Qatar. The 32 year old might be given some rest after intense travelling and featuring in three games in eight days.
Holgate has been turbulent in the right back position but does provide some sort of solidity at the back. Perhaps, an extended break and training during the International fixtures may have cleared his mind and he’s sharp and ready.
Centre back: Michael Keane
Michael Keane and every Everton fan surely felt gutted to not see him in the England squad for this round of international fixtures. However, this omission allowed him to stay with the Merseysiders and train hard for the final phase of the Premier League.
Keane has had an excellent campaign so far and he will be determined to continue the rhythm in the last 10 games of the league and cap off a brilliant season on an individual level.
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Centre back: Yerry Mina
Yerry Mina was another star who stayed back as CONMEBOL postponed the International fixtures to avoid travel complications due to COVID restrictions and protocols in some countries.
The pairing of Mina and Keane has been highly effective at the back and was the go to choice before Godfrey replace the Colombian and eventually suffered a calf injury. Godfrey missed the last England U-21 Euros game as he failed the fitness test. Ancelotti might rest the Englishman against Palace.
Left back: Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne was on International duty with France, featuring in one of their three FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Crystal Palace lining up in a 4-4-2 would mean that Everton might find difficulties in breaking down the Eagles and Digne’s attacking traits could become very important.