Goodison Park hosts an intriguing Premier League encounter on August 22nd, 2026, as Everton welcome Crystal Palace. Both sides concluded the previous campaign in mid-table, with Everton’s 13 wins slightly bettering Palace’s 11. The Toffees will be buoyed by a strong finish to last season, winning three and drawing one of their final five fixtures, mirroring Palace's identical recent run. This suggests a closely contested affair, with both teams carrying momentum into the new season.
Historically, this fixture has often favoured Everton, who have secured two 2-1 victories and a 1-1 draw in their last five meetings at Goodison, though the most recent encounter at Selhurst Park ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Goals have been a consistent feature, with both teams finding the net in four of their last five head-to-heads. Given the historical trends and the evenly matched recent form, expect an open game with potential for goals. The bookmakers’ odds reflect this tight contest, with Everton narrowly favoured at home. Key battles in midfield and the sharpness of each team's attacking lines will be crucial in determining who starts their season with a valuable three points.