Alan Shearer has given his prediction ahead of the Crystal Palace versus Everton clash at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Everton take on Crystal Palace in South London in the evening Premier League kickoff slot on 15 February, still buzzing from the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
That midweek point – which led to contentious scenes at full-time at Goodison Park between fierce rivals Everton and Liverpool – extended the Toffees’ unbeaten league run to four matches.
David Moyes has made an instant impact since replacing Sean Dyche and has Everton on their best run of form of the campaign.
And Moyes will be eager to come away from Selhurst Park with at least a share of the spoils, with Everton now looking up the table rather than down.
Alan Shearer predicts Crystal Palace v Everton
However, despite Everton’s impressive point against Liverpool – or because of, rather – Alan Shearer has predicted Palace to win this contest.
Writing in his weekly Premier League predictions column for The Metro [14 February], Shearer went with a Palace win at Selhurst Park.
The Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer went on to explain his decision, but it does not make all that much sense.
Everton record v Crystal Palace
Shearer said: “Everton have massively improved under David Moyes. It was a great result against Liverpool.
“But I’ll go with a home win because of all they put into the game and with the injuries that were picked up to the likes of Iliman Ndiaye.“
While it is fair to say Ndiaye’s potential season-ending injury, and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s suspension, will have a big impact on the Toffees, the draw against Liverpool will only do them good – certainly no harm.
Everton are unbeaten in their past eight matches against Crystal Palace in all competitions, meanwhile, winning five of those.
Going further back, it is just two losses in 23 matches against the Eagles, making them one of their favourite opponents.
Shearer may not be able to see past a Crystal Palace win, but Everton supporters will make the trip to the capital in a far more positive mood.
And should they return with all three points, they will not only make Shearer look silly, but also Jamie Carragher after his own prediction.
Alan Shearer shares why there’ll only be one outcome in Crystal Palace v Everton
