When Jeff Stelling, broadcaster for talkSPORT warned fans ahead of the match on October 5, 2025, the message was crystal clear: expect a quiet night at Goodison Park. He predicted a Everton vs Crystal Palace showdown that would likely end 0‑0, citing the Eagles’ iron‑clad defence that hasn’t yielded a first‑half league goal all season. The Toffees, meanwhile, are desperate to snap a four‑game winless run and put an end to Palace’s impressive 19‑match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Recent form and the road to Sunday
Everton have been wobbling. Their last four Premier League outings produced three draws and a loss, leaving them languishing in the lower half of the table. Their attack, once a source of hope, has sputtered – only two of their last eight matches have seen them score more than one goal. David Moyes, the club’s manager, has been under pressure to find a spark.
Across town, Oliver Glasner, manager of Crystal Palace has built a defensive wall that looks almost impenetrable. The Eagles have not conceded a first‑half league goal this season – a streak that stretches back to the opening match in August. Their confidence surged after a thrilling 3‑2 victory over last season’s champions, Liverpool, on Saturday.
The clash also carries a historical twist. Everton remain unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Palace, a record that includes two wins last season. Yet Palace’s long unbeaten run has turned the fixture into a potential turning point for both sides.
Stelling’s forecast and the numbers behind it
Stelling’s prediction didn’t come out of thin air. In a talkSPORT interview on October 2, he laid out the facts: “Crystal Palace haven’t let in a first‑half league goal this season. Everton have struggled to break down well‑organised defences in recent weeks. Expect a quiet night – probably 0‑0.” He pointed out that Everton’s home record against Palace is solid – nine games without defeat – but warned that the Eagles’ defensive discipline could neutralise the Toffees’ home advantage.
Statistically, the odds are interesting. Palace have kept 12 clean sheets in 24 league matches, while Everton have managed just three clean sheets in the same span. Moreover, Everton’s average of 1.1 goals per match drops to 0.7 when facing sides in the top half of the table, a category Palace comfortably fits into.
Adding to the intrigue, Everton will be without key midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall after serving a suspension for accumulating five yellow cards. His absence could further blunt Everton’s creative spark in midfield.
Tactical challenges for the Toffees
David Moyes faces a dilemma. He can line up his usual 4‑2‑3‑1, hoping the wingers will stretch Palace’s back line, or he could switch to a more compact 3‑5‑2 to crowd the middle and force errors. The problem is that Palace’s full‑backs, especially Jose Luis Román, tend to stay deep, denying space for any easy crosses.
Without Dewsbury‑Hall, Moyes may rely on the pace of James Tarkowski and the aerial threat of Jordan Pickford. Both are capable of delivering set‑piece danger, which could be Everton’s best bet to crack the defence.
Glasner is unlikely to change his game plan. He will probably sit with a back four, a defensive midfielder, and two forwards who can press high but also drop deep to protect the back line. An aggressive pressing strategy could disrupt Everton’s rhythm, especially if the Toffees attempt to play out from the back.
What a draw would mean for both clubs
If Stelling’s 0‑0 forecast holds, the result would be a mixed bag. Everton would retain their unbeaten streak against Palace, preserving a psychological edge, but the point would feel hollow amid a season‑long goal drought. The draw would also keep Palace’s unbeaten run intact, reinforcing their reputation as a hard‑to‑beat side and potentially propelling them higher up the table.
In the broader picture, a goalless stalemate could influence the upcoming fixtures. Everton might feel the sting of missed opportunity and could push for an attacking overhaul before the next match against a top‑six opponent. Palace, meanwhile, could build on defensive confidence and perhaps experiment with a more adventurous approach in their next game.
Key facts at a glance
- Match: Everton vs Crystal Palace – October 5, 2025, 2:00 PM
- Venue: Goodison Park
- Stelling’s prediction: 0‑0 draw (talkSPORT, Oct 2)
- Palace’s first‑half clean‑sheet streak: entire season (24 matches)
- Everton’s recent form: 0‑3‑1 in last four league games
- Key absentees: Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall (suspension)
- Management: David Moyes (Everton) vs Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
Looking ahead
Regardless of the whistle, the fixture will be a barometer for both sides. Everton must decide whether to double‑down on defensive solidity or gamble on attacking risk. Palace, buoyed by a stellar defensive record, may consider nudging forward more aggressively, especially if they sense the Toffees are hesitant.
Fans will be watching closely, not just for the final score but for the tactical chess match unfolding on the pitch. As Stelling warned, goalmouth fireworks may be scarce, but every corner, free kick, and set piece could become the decisive moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the predicted 0‑0 draw affect Everton’s league position?
A point would keep Everton in 15th place, three points clear of the relegation zone. While the draw preserves their unbeaten streak against Palace, it does little to close the gap to the top half, leaving Moyes under pressure to secure three points in the next match.
What are the chances Crystal Palace will extend their unbeaten run?
Given their flawless first‑half defensive record and recent victory over Liverpool, Palace’s odds of staying unbeaten are high – analysts peg them at around 70 % before kickoff. Their disciplined back line has already turned away several strong attacks this season.
Why is Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall’s suspension significant?
Dewsbury‑Hall is one of Everton’s most creative midfielders, averaging 1.4 key passes per game. His absence forces Moyes to shuffle the midfield, likely reducing the team’s ability to link defence and attack, and limiting late‑run support for the forwards.
What tactical change could Everton make to break Palace’s defence?
Switching to a three‑centre‑back setup with wing‑backs pushing high could overload Palace’s wide areas, creating space for crosses. Alternatively, a high‑press strategy might force mistakes before the Palace back line settles, though it risks exposing Everton to counter‑attacks.
How have recent results shaped the teams’ morale?
Everton’s winless streak has left fans and players uneasy, with confidence eroding after consecutive draws. In contrast, Palace’s win over Liverpool and the 19‑match unbeaten run have generated optimism, reinforcing a belief that they can grind out results even against stronger opponents.
