Crystal Palace and Everton are set to clash at Selhurst Park this Sunday, and there's plenty on the line for both sides as the Premier League season winds down.
Everton are coming off a frustrating piece of history—they became the first team in Premier League history to concede result-altering goals in the 90th minute or later in three straight matches. For much of the season, it was the Toffees who were snatching points late, but the script has flipped in recent weeks. David Moyes's men now face an uphill battle if they want to secure European football next season.
Realistically, Everton would need nine points from their final three games to break into the top six—and even that might not be enough. Seventh place is also a long shot, but eighth could still be within reach. That position would earn Conference League qualification if Manchester City win the FA Cup, or if Chelsea win the cup and finish in the top seven. But to make it happen, Everton need to start winning again, and that journey must begin on Sunday.
On the other side, Crystal Palace are riding a wave of momentum. Manager Oliver Glasner is set to leave the club at the end of the season, but not before leading them to a European final. Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 on Thursday at Selhurst Park, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory. Goals from Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr sent the Eagles to their first-ever European final—their second major showpiece in just over a year, not counting the Community Shield.
Earlier this season, Palace looked like a club in crisis, but they've steadied the ship impressively. They're comfortably clear of Premier League danger and now have their sights set on silverware. All that stands between them and another trophy is a final against Rayo Vallecano, who are enjoying their own remarkable European run.
In their last six Premier League outings, Palace have two wins, two draws, and two losses—but they come into this match on the back of consecutive top-flight defeats and will be eager to bounce back.
Key threats for Palace include the in-form Ismaila Sarr and January signing Jorgen Strand-Larsen, but the real comeback story this season has been Jean-Philippe Mateta. After a slow start, he's rediscovered his scoring touch and become a central figure in Palace's attack. If not for a few unfortunate moments, his season might look even more impressive.
With European dreams still alive for Everton and a final on the horizon for Palace, Sunday's clash promises plenty of drama. Expect both sides to come out fighting.