Both sides walk into this one with a clean slate. Zero games played, zero points, zero baggage. That's rare in the Premier League, and it makes this opener a genuine toss-up. Everton, though, have the sharper look about them. The return of Beto up top gives them a focal point they lacked for long stretches last season, and with Dewsbury-Hall pulling the strings behind him, there's a real creative spine forming. Ndiaye adds another route to goal, and with the pace of Dibling and Barry on the flanks, this is not the same blunt Everton we've seen in recent years. They've recruited smartly too — Norgaard arriving as a fourth signing and a third midfield arrival shows intent. The engine room is being rebuilt.

Crystal Palace, by contrast, look a little more unsettled. Mateta is the obvious danger — 12 goals from 63 shots last season is a striker who doesn't need many chances to hurt you — but the supporting cast is less convincing. Eddie Nketiah and Strand Larsen are decent options, but neither has consistently delivered at this level. The defensive unit of Henderson, Richards, Riad and Muñoz is solid enough, but there's a question mark over creativity. Kamada and Wharton are tidy, but can they unlock a stubborn Everton back line? This feels like a game where Palace might struggle to create clear-cut chances, especially away from home. Everton, with the home crowd at Goodison, look the more likely to edge it.