Crystal Palace predicted XI vs Everton: Sage looks to end Eagles’ miserable record against Toffees | OneFootball

Crystal Palace begin the 2026/27 Premier League season with a difficult trip to Everton on Saturday afternoon in Pierre Sage’s first competitive game.

The Eagles arrive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium looking to build on their historic Conference League win.

Unfortunately for Palace, they face an Everton side they have struggled badly against in recent years, setting the stage for a fascinating match-up.

Match preview

Sage has big shoes to fill following Oliver Glasner’s departure.

The Frenchman enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Lens last season, winning the Coupe de France and finishing second in Ligue 1.

However, his first Premier League assignment comes against an opponent Palace have consistently struggled to overcome.

Still, he believes ambition will be central to his approach, insisting his side will travel to Merseyside looking to win.

Palace will need to adjust quickly. They have not won their opening Premier League fixture since the 2023/24 season.

Also, only two of the club’s previous 16 permanent managers have won their league debut. There is reason for optimism, though.

The Eagles were one of the Premier League’s strongest away sides last season, collecting 24 of their 45 points on the road.

Meanwhile, Everton need to improve at home after a disappointing first campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were in European contention for much of last season before a seven-game winless run to finish the campaign saw their hopes dissipate.

David Moyes will also be desperate to avoid another unwanted record. Everton have lost their opening league game in each of their last four seasons without scoring.

Match stats

Palace must overcome a dreadful recent record against Everton.

The Eagles have won just one of their last 23 Premier League meetings with the Toffees, drawing 10 and losing 12.

Everton have also gone 11 games unbeaten against Palace across all competitions.

Palace have not won away against Everton since the 2014/15 campaign.

There is an obvious weakness Sage must address, too. Palace conceded 20 set-piece goals in the Premier League last season, the joint-highest total in the division.

Those goals accounted for 39% of their overall league goals conceded, the highest proportion of any team.

Everton are hardly in perfect shape themselves.

They failed to win any of their final seven league games last season and have never gone eight Premier League matches without a victory under Moyes.

Crystal Palace team news

Dean Henderson is a doubt after twisting his ankle in Palace’s final pre-season friendly against Freiburg.

‘Serial winner‘ Walter Benitez is therefore ready to make his competitive debut if the England international fails to recover in time.

Daniel Munoz could also begin on the bench after playing just 18 minutes of pre-season following his involvement at the 2026 World Cup.

That should allow new signing Oscar Mingueza to start at right wing-back.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has not played since the World Cup, making Jorgen Strand Larsen the likely option to lead the attack.

Ismaila Sarr, who finished last season as Palace’s top scorer with 21 goals, is expected to start despite recent speculation over his future.

Matheus Franca has also impressed Sage during pre-season, scoring four goals, but the Brazilian may have to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Walter Benitez; Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Chadi Riad; Oscar Mingueza, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell; Yeremy Pino, Ismaila Sarr; Jorgen Strand Larsen.