Palace, eager to capitalize on their recent victory over Brentford, had an initial opportunity with Schlupp’s volley testing Everton’s goalkeeper. Arnaut Danjuma posed a threat for Everton, but Dean Henderson made vital saves. Matheus França displayed his skills, earning a free-kick, but Palace couldn’t convert. Henderson’s goal-line clearance thwarted Everton from a set-piece.
Jordan Ayew’s exit for the Africa Cup of Nations and Michael Olise’s injury prompted Roy Hodgson, the manager, to make offensive adjustments, introducing Matheus França for his debut and reinstating Jeffrey Schlupp to the starting lineup. Despite a near-torrential downpour, Selhurst Park ushered in the new year with a pre-match lights spectacle, and the Eagles donned a special fourth shirt for a charitable auction.
Everton player ratings as Joao Virginia good but one player poor in Crystal Palace FA Cup clash: https://t.co/gb8J80Myrh
— Everton News (@evertonnewsapp) January 4, 2024
In the second half, França spearheaded a counter-attack, and Eze’s shot was saved by Everton’s goalkeeper. The match retained its intensity, with both teams relying on set-pieces. James Tarkowski’s header for Everton sailed across the goal, but Amadou Onana couldn’t keep his header down. The game escalated when Everton’s Calvert-Lewin received a red card following a VAR review.
Palace pushed for a late victory, with attempts from Naouirou Ahamada and Eze, while Everton had opportunities with Garner and Harrison. Despite nine minutes of added time, the match concluded in a draw, leading to a replay at Goodison Park. Palace’s final lineup featured Henderson, Clyne, Guéhi, Andersen, Mitchell, Lerma, Richards, Schlupp, Eze, Mateta, and França, with substitutes Ozoh, Edouard, Hughes, and Ahamada making appearances.
The starting eleven for Everton consists of Virgínia as the goalkeeper, with Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Garner, Onana, McNeil (substituted by Gomes at 89 minutes), Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, and Danjuma (substituted by Beto at 80 minutes).
On the bench, Everton has Pickford as the backup goalkeeper, along with Patterson, Keane, Godfrey, Chemetri, Hunt, and Dobbin available as substitutes.
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