Sean Dyche could hand £30m Everton player his first start of 2024 v Crystal Palace

Everton host Crystal Palace on Monday evening in what is shaping up to be a vital Premier League clash.

The Toffees currently sit one point adrift of Luton Town, who are on the right side of the dotted line.

With just five points separating Everton in 18th and Brentford in 14th, a tight relegation battle is undoubtedly on the cards.

Everton’s 2024 form has been poor, with Sean Dyche’s side failing to register a win since the turn of the year.

Heading into the clash against Palace, Dyche could be forced to shuffle the pack.

Ben Godfrey has been an ever-present in recent weeks, starting the Toffees’ last three fixtures.

However, the 26-year-old was substituted during the most recent 2-0 loss to Manchester City and is currently being assessed after falling Ill (Ben Dinnery, Premier Injuries).

Godfrey potentially missing out could open the door for one of Everton’s big-money signings.

Michael Keane could make Everton return

Michael Keane has endured a tough 2024, having not appeared since the 3-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Since then, the former Burnley man has been confined to the bench and was linked with a move away during the latter stages of the January window .Keane will be disappointed with his omission, particularly after the 31-year-old featured during the Christmas period.

The £30million signing was in good form towards the back end of last season but has found himself behind James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite in the Goodison Park pecking order.

Dyche’s squad depth, particularly in defence, is impressive, which the Everton manager highlighted earlier in the season.

“I’ve always thought 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,” Dyche told PlanetSport.

He added: “I don’t mind players being disgruntled and asking me questions, but when it comes to your training do it right, do it properly and it will pay you back – and it is. There are people having to come in who haven’t played in a while but they’re coming and delivering.”

The Everton boss is confident in the players he has at his disposal, and if Keane is given the chance, the 31-year-old has to grab it with both hands, particularly with his current deal concluding in the summer of 2025.