Everton Faces Selection Challenges Ahead of Crystal Palace Opener
Everton kicks off the 2026/27 Premier League season at home against Crystal Palace this Saturday, with manager David Moyes contending with several selection dilemmas. Some challenges stem from familiar issues, while others arise from recent injuries.
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The most pressing concerns lie in midfield, right-back, and the forward position, making team selection particularly intriguing. Despite bolstering the squad this summer, the opening match does not wait for a team to feel fully prepared.
At the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes is likely to rely on his current roster, even though it still appears to lack depth in certain areas.
Injuries Spark Midfield Reevaluation
James Garner, Christian Norgaard, and Tim Iroegbunam are all sidelined, leaving Everton short on midfield resources. Additionally, the departure of Idrissa Gana Gueye further complicates matters for Moyes, as he navigates a crucial part of the team.
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This situation opens the door for Harrison Armstrong, who has reportedly impressed during pre-season and could be a key asset given Everton’s current need for energy and reliability over reputation.
Moyes is also keeping an eye on new signing Hayden Hackney, whom he has urged fans to temper their expectations. Moyes commented, “If you’re expecting the boy to come from the Championship and suddenly be an outstanding Premier League player, then he may not be quite ready.” This perspective highlights the uncertainty surrounding Hackney, as some players transition smoothly from the Championship, while others struggle to adapt. Moyes requires immediate contributions from Hackney, even if he is still finding his footing.
Consequently, the midfield pairing of Hackney and Armstrong seems the most likely option for Moyes, albeit carrying its own risks since Crystal Palace will test their physicality and tactical awareness.
Ongoing Right-Back Dilemma
The unresolved issue at right-back continues to be a concern for Everton. Moyes acknowledged the club’s efforts to address the situation, but stated that results have not yet materialized. He noted, “Well, some have been injury, some have not accepted it, and for some, the fees have been a bit too high – we’ve bid lower than what the clubs want for them.”
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This predicament leaves Everton in a familiar position, evidently still improvising. Merlin Rohl and Jake O’Brien have both filled that role in pre-season, but neither stands as a definitive long-term solution. For this opening match, however, the focus should shift from permanent strategies to finding a feasible short-term fix. Rohl may start if the team seeks agility in their wide areas, though this remains a vulnerability that Crystal Palace will likely exploit.
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Striker Decision Favors Barry
In the striker position, Beto has struggled to establish himself, while Thierno Barry has left a favorable impression during pre-season, particularly with his goal-scoring ability.
While pre-season performance should not be seen as a guarantee of future success, it carries weight when there is no clear established order within the squad. Barry’s recent form has created momentum, while Beto’s has not, making the decision more straightforward for Moyes. Everton requires more vigor up front, and Barry provides that energy, which could quickly translate into meaningful contributions.
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Predicted Everton Starting XI vs Crystal Palace
Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Hackney, Armstrong; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.
While this Everton lineup is not perfect and affected by injuries and transfers that are still pending, it appears to be Moyes’ most logical arrangement heading into the match against Crystal Palace.
Everton vs Crystal Palace Predicted XI as David Moyes Weighs Key Selection Calls
Everton begin the 2026/27 Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, and David Moyes already has problems to solve. Some are familiar, some are self-inflicted, and one or two are simply down to injuries.
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The biggest issues are in midfield, at right-back, and up front. That is where the team selection gets interesting. Everton have added bodies this summer, but opening day rarely waits for a squad to feel complete.
At the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes is likely to trust what he has, even if what he has still looks short in a couple of areas.
Midfield injuries force Everton rethink
James Garner, Christian Norgaard and Tim Iroegbunam are all out, which strips Everton of depth and balance in the middle of the pitch. Add Idrissa Gana Gueye’s summer departure and the picture is obvious, Moyes is light in one of the most important parts of the side.
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That opens the door for Harrison Armstrong. He has reportedly done enough in pre-season to earn serious consideration and, right now, Everton need legs, discipline and composure more than reputation.
There is also scrutiny on Hayden Hackney. Moyes has already tried to cool the noise around the new signing, saying, “If you’re expecting the boy to come from the Championship and suddenly be an outstanding Premier League player, then he may not be quite ready.” That is a fair assessment. Players arriving from the Championship can adapt quickly, but plenty do not. Everton need Hackney to be useful immediately, even if he is not yet dominant.
So the midfield call may be made for Moyes by circumstance. Hackney and Armstrong looks the most plausible pairing, and it comes with risk. Palace will test it physically and positionally.
Right-back problem remains unresolved
Everton’s right-back issue has dragged on too long. Moyes has admitted the club have tried to fix it, but trying and doing are two different things. The market has not moved in Everton’s favour, or Everton have not moved decisively enough.
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Moyes explained the failed pursuits clearly: “Well, some have been injury, some have not accepted it, and for some, the fees have been a bit too high – we’ve bid lower than what the clubs want for them.”
That leaves Everton where they finished last season, still improvising. Merlin Rohl and Jake O’Brien have both seen time there in pre-season, and neither is an ideal long-term answer. For opening day, though, long-term thinking is irrelevant. Moyes needs a functional one-game solution.
Rohl may get the nod if Everton want a little more mobility in wide areas, but this remains a weak point Crystal Palace will look to expose.
Photo: IMAGO
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Striker call points towards Barry
Beto has had chances to make the role his own and has not done enough consistently. Thierno Barry, by contrast, made a strong impression during pre-season and did what strikers are there to do, score goals.
Pre-season form should never be treated as definitive evidence, but it matters when there is no established pecking order. Barry earned momentum, Beto did not. That makes the decision straightforward.
Everton also need energy around the front line, and Barry offers that. If he starts well, he can turn pre-season promise into something more meaningful very quickly.
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Predicted Everton XI vs Crystal Palace
Pickford; Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Hackney, Armstrong; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, George; Barry.
This is not a perfect Everton side. It is a side shaped by injury, by an unfinished transfer window, and by a problem at right-back that still has not gone away. But for now, it looks like Moyes’ most logical team for Crystal Palace.
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