The Opposition View: Everton vs Crystal Palace | Who can break their winless streak?

Today at 11:49 PM

The Blues need three points after having already dropped eight entirely winnable points recently

For Everton, like Crystal Palace, the season has yet to go as either fans or players would like. Right now, both are near the bottom of the barrel as far as the Premier League table is concerned. Everton has lost matches to both Bournemouth and Aston Villa while ahead and drew with Leicester City last week when up as well; meanwhile, the loss to Southampton in the EFL was crushing because it was just another example of the weakness of this team when ahead.

But something has to give - for one of these two teams. A draw would be fine, but would continue to irritate the fanbases; three points are the only thing that will secure safety for either team as the season goes on.

And ahead of Saturday's match, we spoke to Daniel from Palace site, The Eagles Beak.

RBM: First off, how is the team and their supporters feeling after a very difficult start to the season after such high expectations going into this new year?

TEB: Among the large majority of the Palace fanbase, there is a sense of disappointment so far after such a positive end to last season for us. That said, there is a feeling that Glasner will get the team back to performing to those levels once the new players signed over the transfer window have had time to gel.

RBM: What has gone wrong for this side so far? Please talk to us about on-field performances and, of course, the manager's first full year in charge.

TEB: Glasner has decided to change formation this season to a 5-3-2 with two strikers in Mateta and Nketiah together up front. After losing Olise to Bayern, this makes sense, as we lack his quality in taking players on. The system also suits Eze more as he can sit in his number ten role instead of being left out wide where he is less effective. It is clear the players are still getting used to this change. Despite the poor start to this season, I still have faith that Glasner will get it right as his first full year in charge approaches.

RBM: What were the major incomings and outgoings of this side? What is Oliver Glasner looking to build?

TEB: The main outgoing was the previously mentioned Micheal Olise to Bayern Munich, which was tough to take due to the low release clause he went for. However, it was clear to most Palace fans that he was going right to the top so it was expected. Most are pleased he did not go to one of the top six in the Premier League. Other outgoings included Sam Johnstone to Wolves, Joachim Andersen to Fulham, Jordan Ayew to Leicester and James Tomkins and Jairo Riedwald on free transfers.

Incomings were strong overall with the additions of Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg, Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal, Ismaïla Sarr from Marseille, Chadi Riad from Real Betis, Daichi Kamada on a free transfer, Matt Turner and Trevoh Chalobah on season-long loans. The only disappointment with the window was us not signing another left-wing back to challenge Tyrick Mitchell, as we are short in that position.

RBM: What does this team do well, and what is it still struggling with under the Austrian? What has happened from last year to this one?

TEB: As touched on above, the change in formation has had an effect, but defending has also been poor. That could be due to the loss of Andersen and Guehi, having spent all summer with England, along with the transfer speculation of him leaving for Newcastle. The loss of Olise would affect any team of Palace's level, and it reminds me of when Zaha left due to our dependence on them both. Fortunately for us, we have Eze to fill the burden this time, but even he seems to be feeling that pressure already. We have new players to integrate and gel, especially in defense.

RBM: What are the expectations for the Eagles this season? Can the bad start be overcame?

TEB: The bad start can certainly be overcome. My expectations for this season are a 10th to 14th place finish without getting involved in a relegation battle. I'm also enjoying Glasner's desire to play strong sides in cup competitions which we have not had in recent years under Roy Hodgson. Like most mid-table teams, we'd love a cup run!

RBM: How is Michael Olise missed? Who will replace him, and what will he provide the side with?

TEB: He will be massively missed as he is one of the best players we have ever had. It was a shame he was unable to play much in his last season with us due to injury, but as mentioned above, the majority of Palace fans knew he would be moving on to bigger and better things. Replacing Olise isn't possible, but Eze and Sarr will hopefully provide a similar outlet for us this season.

RBM: Who can you see giving Everton some trouble on Saturday on Merseyside, and how might Palace trouble the Toffees at Goodison?

TEB: If we go with the tactics we have seen so far, Palace will look to play on the counter and cause issues for Everton by making overlapping runs through our wingbacks Mitchell and Munoz.Mateta and Nketiah will also be a handful together up front. Against Manchester United we seemed to lose possession a lot from midfield areas, so I would not be surprised to see Glasner resort to a 5-4-1 formation to strengthen that up away from home.

RBM: Finally, what's your prediction for Saturday's match?

TEB: With both teams looking for their first wins of the season and having their own defensive weaknesses, I can see there being a few goals. I'm going for a 2-2 draw.

Our thanks to Daniel for his time.