No.1: Iliman Ndiaye v Mystery Right Full Back
This current version of Manchester City is not as equipped as their trophy-winning predecessors; the rebuild is very much still rebuilding. And so, without the traditional Pep refinement, the contemporary Man City team fluctuates between good, great, and maybe an away win.
Everton’s borrowed talisman, Jack Grealish, is unavailable for selection in this game. Premier League rules dictate that a player cannot compete against his parent club. Jack is sidelined for this one, so this means a reshuffling of resources and a redeployment of personnel to fill the massive gap.
Almost certainly, Everton manager David Moyes will return Iliman Ndiaye to his native left forward role. Previously benched options such as Carlos Alcaraz or young Tyler Dibling are probably going to occupy the opposite right-side vacancy, with no longer suspended Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall back in the attacking central midfield berth. A lot of moving parts to accommodate one ineligible player.
The Ndiaye relocation to the left wing offers Everton their greatest avenue to success. He is Everton’s best attacking threat, particularly on the dribble, up against the most vulnerable Man City position, right full back.
Man City have not settled on an effective back line through last season’s disappointment and also so far through this season’s inconsistencies. Uzbekistan international central defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been favored at right full back, out of position, and currently out injured. Another not-right full back, Matheus Nunes, has sometimes filled in. Nunes has now been exchanged for third not-right-back John Stones.
While each option is a good player and brings merits to be concerned about, the reality is that this is a problem for Manchester City and a moment to exploit for Everton. If Everton can service Ndiaye and have him engage whoever is the chosen option on the day, then something can be redeemed.
Everton will not be gifted much, but when the attacking phase of play favors Everton, the game plan must be to isolate Iliman Ndiaye 1-v-1 and leave him to see what he can conjure.
No.2: Everton Counter-Attack & Counter-Press
Despite a revolution in the style of play under the management of David Moyes, Everton will not see too much of the possession in this game.
Manchester City are not the ball retention monsters that they once were, but surely, they will dominate possession. But that’s okay. The low block, bunkering-in, isn’t too foreign a concept to Everton, even this new and modern version of Everton we are enjoying. Defensive stability suits many of the Everton starting XI just fine.
So, the payoff comes with the turnover, the transition moments, changing the defensive containment into a counter-attacking menace. Fast, direct & accurate. If Everton can win the positive transition, there is definitely success to be earned.
The #9 center forward will have much influence over that level of success. Interchangeable strikers Beto and Thierno Barry have been underwhelming so far this season, but this is not the game to hide. Holdup play, channel running, and genuinely occupying opposition defenders are essential. And if you don’t win it first time, then counter-press, displaying effort if not ability. The unavoidable #9 substitution on 60 minutes is almost forecast anyway.
No.3: Don’t Give Up
75 minutes: Everton FC 0 vs 1 Crystal Palace FC
90 minutes: Everton FC 2 vs 1 Crystal Palace FC
It’s everything I want from my football club. Win, lose, or draw, I can cope with. Performance always brings more pride than results. Just represent Everton correctly.
Typically, Everton FC haven’t done come-from-behind triumphs very well. Poor starts, disappointing middle, and empty terraces at the end. Give away the 3 points for free.
But this culture must change. The ‘accepted loss’ mentality must go. Home or away, the Everton game must be a challenge. Irrespective of who or how good the opponent is. And now there is evidence to be proud of.
Manchester City will be a tough game, a good team, a better team with massive aspirations, but not yet a better team until proven. Even in moments of adversity, the group must respond. Just don’t give up, make them take the win, if that’s what’s going to happen.
I’m optimistic that this Everton FC team can be rewarded. It’s not a game to fear, but rather an opportunity to embrace.