Expect Everton in their usual 4-4-2, with Pickford between the sticks and a back four of O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, and Mykolenko. That's a proper Premier League defence — physical, organised, and with Branthwaite back on the training pitch after a hamstring scare, they're at full strength. In midfield, Dewsbury-Hall and Garner will sit in the double pivot, with Hackney and Ndiaye providing width. Up top, Beto and Barry give them a classic big-man-little-man threat — direct, aggressive, and lethal on the second ball.

Palace will likely line up in a 4-3-3, looking to play through the thirds with quick wide runners. But here's the thing: their midfield three will be outnumbered in the central areas against Everton's four. The Toffees will pack the middle, force Palace wide, and then win the first contact. Set pieces are a huge weapon for Everton — Tarkowski and Branthwaite are giants, and with Pickford's long distribution, they can turn defence into attack in one hoof. Palace will try to play out from the back, but Everton's press, led by Beto's relentless chasing, will make that a nightmare.