Everton can move up to sixth in the Premier League by beating Crystal Palace this afternoon as Carlo Ancelotti’s look to compete for a European spot. Palace, meanwhile, are looking to clamber clear of the relegation zone with a run of poor form having seen them drop to 14th.
Everton have only lost one of eight league games since Ancelotti was named as their new manager hours before facing Arsenal.
That single defeat came away at Manchester City and at Goodison Park, the Merseyside club have won two and drawn two.
The Toffees boss is expecting a tough test from today’s visitors Palace, however.
He said: “I expect a difficult game. Palace have their own quality and a manager with lots of experience. With the support of our stadium I think we can have three points.
“Now we have to be focused. It is an opportunity to climb the table [against Palace]. We have to close this period and prepare for the end of this season. The games are really difficult.”
Palace boss Roy Hodgson, whose side are winless in four top-flight outings, said of Everton: “Their record over the last ten games has been quite exceptional.
“Carlo’s generated a lot of positivity and the players are full of confidence. We understand it’s going to be a tough game.
“It always is at Goodison Park, whoever the manager is, but we’re ready for that as part of our Premier League season.
“I’m not surprised it’s gone well [for Ancelotti]. He was a clever appointment, someone with his experience and talent as a coach is obviously going to succeed wherever he goes.
“Everton decided it was the right moment to bring him on board and have been rewarded with the results and the way players have responded to him.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him. When the game starts, I might be wishing I wasn’t seeing him!”
Everton vs Crystal Palace – Premier League
Everton XI: Pickford; Digne, Keane, Mina, Coleman; Bernard, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Walcott; Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.
Crystal Palace XI: Guaita; Ward, Tomkins, Cahill, Van Aanholt; Milivojevic, McArthur, McCarthy; Zaha, Benteke, Ayew.