Everton face blunt Crystal Palace task with four key players set to miss out

Everton return to Premier League action on Monday night when they take on Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.

The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City last time out, with Erling Haaland scoring twice during the second-half. The defeat left Sean Dyche’s side inside the relegation zone.

Off the pitch, US investment firm 777 Partners is also still awaiting word from the Premier League on its proposed takeover. And with everything in mind, our Everton jury are back to have their say on matters on and off the pitch.

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Everton Takeover: 777 Partners nearing final decision as formal talks scheduled

Paul McParlan - Does Sean Dyche have a Plan B?

Last Saturday turned out the way most Blues had expected against Manchester City.

The side defended resolutely, but when Erland Haaland scored after 70 minutes, there was only going to be one outcome. And that was never going to be an Everton fightback!

Fortunately, defeats for Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace last weekend meant the loss at the Etihad did not allow our closest relegation rivals to gain an advantage.

Although Everton were well organised and defensively disciplined, they never looked like grabbing a goal. This is proving to be a major problem for Sean Dyche. His default strategy is to contain the opposition, but if they score first, we are always going to struggle to respond.

The Toffees have amassed a paltry six goals in the last ten games, and we have a striker who has not found the net in 18 appearances and looks no nearer to ending that sequence.

One can have some sympathy for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who often finds himself isolated up front without any support.

Those