Everton vs Crystal Palace: Premier League opener preview
Everton open the 2026-27 Premier League season at Hill Dickinson Stadium against Europa Conference League holders Crystal Palace on Saturday, August 22 at 3:00 p.m. BST. David Moyes starts Thierno Barry up front; Pierre Sage makes his Palace debut without Ismaila Sarr, who is holding out for a move.
The everton palace clash kicks off Matchweek 1 as both sides chase a fast start after contrasting summers. Everton ended last season on a seven-game winless run, while Palace arrive under new manager Pierre Sage with several fresh signings and European football on the horizon. Referee Paul Tierney takes charge.
Key Takeaways
- Everton line up 4-2-3-1 with Barry, Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall; Garner is a fitness doubt and Nørgaard and Iroegbunam are out.
- Crystal Palace deploy 3-4-2-1 under debut boss Pierre Sage; Sarr is absent amid transfer uncertainty and Henderson faces a late fitness test.
- Everton have not lost at home to Palace in more than a decade, including a 2-1 win in October 2025.
- The sides drew 2-2 at Selhurst Park in their most recent meeting to close the 2025-26 campaign.
- Match officials include VAR Timothy Wood; coverage airs on USA Network in the United States.
What Are the Confirmed Everton vs Crystal Palace Lineups?
David Moyes names a familiar Everton side in a 4-2-3-1 formation, per BBC Sport. Jordan Pickford starts in goal behind a back four of Vitaliy Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Marvin Röhl. Harrison Hackney and Harrison Armstrong anchor midfield.
Further forward, Tyler George, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye support striker Thierno Barry. The bench includes Carlos Alcaraz, James Garner, Beto and Nathan Patterson. Injuries limit Moyes in midfield, with Garner a doubt and Christian Nørgaard and Tim Iroegbunam unavailable.
Pierre Sage selects a 3-4-2-1 for his first Premier League match in charge. Dean Henderson starts in goal if he passes a late fitness test after a preseason knock. The back three features Chadi Riad, Chris Richards and Jérémy Canvot, flanked by Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Muñoz.
Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada and Dwight McNeil form the midfield, with Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta leading the attack. Ismaila Sarr is omitted as he reportedly holds out for a transfer.
Why Does This Everton Palace Opener Matter So Much?
Both clubs need momentum from day one. Everton carry the weight of a seven-game winless streak into the new campaign and will want to justify summer investment at their 52,769-capacity home. Palace, meanwhile, must balance a new manager, new signings and the demands of European competition.
Sage arrives with a strong résumé after leading RC Lens to the Coupe de France and a second-placed Ligue 1 finish, earning Manager of the Year honours in France. How quickly his Eagles settle could shape their entire season. For more breaking sports coverage, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
What Does the Everton vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head Record Show?
Recent history favours Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees beat Palace 2-1 in October 2025, with Ndiaye converting a penalty and a Jack Grealish effort deflecting over the line. Their last meeting ended 2-2 at Selhurst Park to close the previous season.
Everton have not lost at home to Crystal Palace in more than ten years. That run includes the dramatic 3-2 comeback in 2022 that helped preserve their Premier League status. A win on Saturday would extend that streak and give Moyes the fast start he wants.
How Can Fans Watch Everton vs Crystal Palace?
Kick-off is set for 3:00 p.m. BST (10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT) at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Merseyside. Forecasts call for sunny conditions around 63°F (17°C) with light winds. In the United States, USA Network and UNIVERSO carry the broadcast; UK television coverage is listed as not available on standard channels.
International viewers can stream via platforms including Fubo, DAZN and beIN Sports depending on region. Radio coverage is available through evertontv for supporters who cannot watch live.