Everton vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news

Everton prepare to face Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 22 August 2026. Manager David Moyes is eager for a positive start following a seven-game winless run last season that prevented Everton from securing a European spot. The fixture offers Moyes the chance to assess his team against a Crystal Palace side in the midst of a new era under manager Pierre Sage.

Moyes revealed that James Garner, who is recovering from a hernia operation, will not be included in the squad. Additionally, midfielder Tim Iroegbunam will miss the match due to an abductor strain, which led to a proposed £20m transfer collapsing. Christian Nørgaard's fitness is also uncertain, with Moyes stating he may not be fit enough to start.

The absence of a specialist right-back ahead of the transfer window has left Everton in a predicament. Chief executive Angus Kinnear has admitted that they will not have the desired right-back for the Palace game but emphasized the importance of securing their preferred option by the end of the window. Jake O’Brien is expected to step up as the interim right-back, having done so during pre-season.

Brennan Johnson, who was part of a swap deal that saw Dwight McNeil leave, is in contention to feature against his former club after winning the Conference League with him earlier this season.

Young academy graduate Harrison Armstrong, who Moyes described as progressing faster than anticipated, has been earmarked for a starting role. Midfielders Hayden Hackney and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will also feature, with Barry leading the line alongside Iliman Ndiaye providing cover from a deeper position.