Moyes will set his side up in a classic 4-4-2, as he always does. Two banks of four, compact, hard to break down, with Beto and a partner feeding off scraps and Dewsbury-Hall arriving late in the half-spaces. The full-backs will be told to keep it tight early, let Palace have the ball in non-threatening areas, then hit them on the break. Branthwaite is back on the training pitch, and if he’s fit to partner Tarkowski, that’s a wall of a centre-back pairing. Set pieces will be a weapon — Everton have always been second-ball merchants under Moyes, and with Tarkowski attacking the near post, Palace will have their hands full.

Palace, under their usual 4-2-3-1, will try to play through the thirds. Wharton and Kamada in the double pivot give them control, while Ismaila Sarr and McNeil provide width and pace. Mateta leads the line, and he’s the kind of striker who thrives on one chance. But here’s the catch: Palace’s new signings — Mingueza at right-back, Tomiyasu in defence — haven’t had long to build understanding. Everton will target that right side, with Ndiaye running at whoever’s there. If Palace try to play out from the back, Everton’s front two will press in a coordinated trap, forcing errors in dangerous areas. This is a game where the first goal is everything, and the team that settles quickest will dictate the tempo.