Can The Blues Climb Away From The Danger Zone?

After the madness that occurred in the week, Everton will be hoping to carry the same mentality forward as a tough trip away from home against Crystal Palace awaits...

Wednesday night will go down in the history books as one of the greatest moments at Goodison Park ever, when James Tarkowski struck a stunner in the final seconds of the last Merseyside Derby at the Grand Old Lady, it was havoc. Red cards, fights, pitch invasions, basically everything you’d expect from Everton vs Liverpool.

The fight at the final whistle sparked controversy. As Michael Oliver concluded rhe game, Abdoulaye Doucoure was seen shushing and celebrating into the already infuriated Liverpool away fans due to the timing of the equaliser. The same emotion was expressed on the pitch, as Curtis Jones lashed out at Doucoure causing a brawl in the corner between the Bullens and Park End. Due to this, the Everton midfielder received a second yellow card meaning the 32-year-old will miss the trip down south.

In the midst of it all, Arne Slot and Curtis Jones were sent off to, with the Liverpool manager stating that “emotions took control of me” in his pre-match press conference for the Red’s game at Anfield against Wolves. This was the first time Slot has spoken to the media after the final whistle as due to regulations, when a manager is dismissed from the dugout they are not required to complete any interviews. Controversy continued after rhe final whistle as sadly Abdoulaye Doucoure has been the victim of a lot of racial abuse online, with both clubs making a statement.

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Everton And Liverpool FC Joint Statement:

Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs are aware of and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night's Merseyside derby.

Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.

Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.

We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.

We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.

Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadia or in our communities.

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Doucoure’s sending off doesn’t help Everton at all, as it is another absentee for the trip against Crystal Palace. In the Derby, Iliman Ndiaye was forced off due to an injury. David Moyes spoke in his pre-match press conference today and explained that Ndiaye suffered a medical ligament injury.

Ndiaye pictured in a medical centre after picking up a ligament injury during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw.

Another player added to the absent list has increased to nine. All of Patterson, Mangala, Calvert-Lewin, Coleman, Broja, Chermiti, and Dwight McNeil all remain out. However, a few of them are expected to return soon, giving the Blues a helping hand to achieve a hopeful comfortable finish in the Premier League this season giving Goodison Park a classy send off and heading into Bramley Moore-Dock in a decent state.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace’s last match was in the FA Cup fourth round, the same set of games Everton crashed out of the cup in a 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth, against League Two side Doncaster Rovers. A comfortable 2-0 victory for Palace gave Oliver Glasner’s side an easy way through into the hat for the next round.

The first goal for Palace came in the 31st minute. From a free kick, Jean Phillip Mateta received the ball within the crowded penalty area, having the opportunity to take the shot, and did so. Unfortunately for Mateta, the ball struck the post; however, it fell perfectly into the path of Colombian defender Daniel Muñoz. The easy job of tucking it home from only a few yards out was completed, giving Crystal Palace the lead heading into the halftime break at the Eco-Power Stadium.

In the second half, Palace managed to extend the advantage to two. In the 55th minute, Will Hughes turned over possession from the Doncaster winger Luke Molyneux. Carrying the ball toward, Hughes saw youngster Justin Devenny making a run. Breaking the Doncaster defensive line, Hughes played a pinpoint lobbed-through ball into the path of Devenny, who let it bounce before chipping it first time over Sharman-Lowe in net, sending Palace through into the next round of the cup, where they face Millwall at home on the 1st March.

In the Premier League, Crystal Palace has been performing as expected, the usual 11-14th place, which has been the norm for the past few years. Last time out in the league, Palace faced a tough trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. However, it seemed an easy task as a 2-0 win, with a brace from Mateta, handed Glasner’s side the three points.

Almost the opposite of the Toffees, Palace seems to have a lot of players returning from injury for the game. Oliver Glasner has confirmed in his press match conference that the attacking trio of Eze, Sarr, and Nketiah are ready to play a part in the matchday squad. Also stating that “there are no new issues.”

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Gameweek 25:

Friday 14th February:

Brighton 20:00 Chelsea

Saturday 15th February:

Leicester 12:30 Arsenal

Aston Villa 15:00 Ipswich Town

Fulham 15:00 Nottingham Forest

Manchester City 15:00 Newcastle

Southampton 15:00 Bournemouth

West Ham 15:00 Brentford

Crystal Palace 17:30 Everton

Sunday 16th February:

Liverpool 14:00 Wolves

Spurs 16:30 Manchester United

Wednesday 17th February:

Aston Villa 19:30 Liverpool

(LFC double gameweek)

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Thank you for reading my pre-match article!