Expect Everton to line up in their usual 4-4-2, with Pickford in goal, a back four of O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, and Mykolenko, and a midfield of Hackney, Dewsbury-Hall, Garner, and Ndiaye. Beto and Barry lead the line. That is a classic Dyche setup: two banks of four, direct balls into the channels, and a relentless focus on second balls. Tarkowski and Branthwaite are monsters in the air, and with Beto's physical presence, Everton will target Palace's box from every dead ball. Dewsbury-Hall adds a bit of class in the middle, capable of sliding a pass through the lines when the game opens up.

Crystal Palace will likely set up in their 4-2-3-1, with a double pivot shielding the back four and a number ten pulling the strings. Glasner wants his full-backs high and his wingers in the half-spaces, looking to break quickly through the lines. But against Everton's low block, Palace will need patience. They will dominate possession, but that is exactly what Dyche wants — he will let them have the ball in non-dangerous areas, then hit them on the counter or from a set piece. The midfield dogfight will be key: Garner and Dewsbury-Hall against Palace's double pivot. Whoever wins that battle controls the tempo.

The wide areas are where this game will be won. Everton's full-backs will stay deep, forcing Palace wide, while Ndiaye and Barry track back to make a solid wall. Palace's wingers will get plenty of the ball but will find little space to cross into. When Everton do break, they will target the space behind Palace's advanced full-backs. It is a classic clash of styles: Palace's possession against Everton's pragmatism. And at Goodison, pragmatism usually wins.