On Monday night, Everton will play Crystal Palace in what is expected to be a pivotal Premier League match.

At the moment, the Toffees are one point behind Luton Town, who are situated on the right side of the dotted line.

The only five points separating Brentford in 14th place and Everton in 18th place indicate that a close relegation battle is definitely in the works.

Everton has struggled in 2024; from the start of the season, Sean Dyche’s team has not won.

Dyche might have to shift the bunch before the match against Palace.

Ben Godfrey has started the last three Toffees games and has been a constant in recent weeks.

But after being sick, the 26-year-old was replaced during the most recent 2-0 loss to Manchester City, and he is presently undergoing evaluation (Ben Dinnery, Premier Injuries).

Godfrey might have missed out, which would have made room for one of Everton’s high-profile acquisitions.

Michael Keane set to to the squad return

Michael Keane has had a difficult 2024; he hasn’t played since Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 3-0 loss.

The former Burnley player has since been limited to the bench and was connected to a move away in the final days of the January transfer window.

Keane will be upset with his exclusion, especially because the 31-year-old was highlighted throughout the Christmas season.

The £30 million acquisition was playing well toward the conclusion of the previous campaign, but he now sits lower in the Goodison Park hierarchy than James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Everton manager had noted early in the season how excellent Dyche’s squad depth is, especially in defense.

In an interview with PlanetSport, Dyche said, “I’ve always felt the strongest groups I’ve played with or worked with are the people outside the starting 11 because they keep you strong, because they’re not just accepting it.”

He went on, “I don’t mind if players are upset and question me, but when it comes to your training, do it correctly and it will pay you back, and it does.” Some players who haven’t played in a long time are required to enter, yet they do so with excellence.

The Everton manager is confidence in the talents he has at his disposal, but Keane, 31, needs to seize the opportunity if it is presented to him, especially because his current contract expires in the summer of 2025.