Everton vs Crystal Palace preview: Moyes weighs up Gueye and his in-form options

Everton go to Crystal Palace needing a win to keep their European dreams alive, and David Moyes has a proper selection call to make before kick-off. Idrissa Gueye picked up a knock in training, while Tim Iroegbunam has just put himself in the conversation after covering for him against Manchester City.

Moyes has midfield and bench decisions to make

Moyes said after the City game that he would not elaborate on the type of injury or the recovery time for Gueye. That leaves Everton waiting on one of the midfielders he has leaned on most consistently, and it is not a minor issue if the knock keeps him out.

Iroegbunam made his case in the best possible way. He was awarded man of the match after filling in for Gueye, and his recent Premier League ratings, 7.0, 6.2, 6.7, null and 7.3, back up the idea that he can handle the role again if needed.

There is also Merlin Röhl, who started his first game for Everton since January, and Thierno Barry, who scored two goals from the bench against Manchester City. Moyes also said that big performances from several players who do not typically feature in his first XI almost led Everton to a remarkable victory against Manchester City, which is exactly why this team sheet is not straightforward.

Gueye's own recent numbers show why his absence would matter. His last five Premier League ratings were 6.9, 6.9, 7.6, 6.9 and 6.3, a steady level that Everton would rather not lose at this stage.

Everton still have something to play for at Selhurst Park

The wider picture is simple enough. Everton are 10th with 48 points from 35 games, four points off the top six, so the margin for error in the European chase is still slim.

Selhurst Park has also been a decent ground for them lately. Everton have won their last two Premier League visits there, and they need that sort of away performance again if they are going to keep the season's endgame alive.

For Moyes, the useful part is that he has more than one credible option if Gueye does not make it. The less useful part is that he will have to choose between stability, recent form and the reward for players who have just shown they can change a game.

If Everton do take something from the trip, it will probably say as much about those selection calls as it does about the opponent.