𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

We’ve spent all summer talking about Everton’s need for a new right-back. They are still in the market for one before the end of the window, but are starting the versatile Merlin Rohl there today.

It’s a makeshift role for the German, who is usually best in central midfield, but he has largely impressed on that side in pre-season.

19-year-old Harrison Armstrong starts in midfield, while there is also a competitive debut for summer signing Hayden Hackney, who joined for an initial £16.5m from Middlesbrough. It will be intriguing to see how Hackney handles the step up in level after being named Championship player of the season last time out.

James Garner, a standout in 2025-26, is only fit enough for the bench after missing most of pre-season due to a hernia injury that required surgery. Winger Brennan Johnson joins him on the bench against his former club.

Everton summer target Daniel Munoz starts for Palace at right wing-back, while Dwight McNeil, who left Everton as part of a swap deal involving Johnson, is also in Pierre Sage’s starting lineup.

Everton will be hoping he doesn’t come back to haunt his former club.