As for as the Premier League form guide is concerned, Merseyside is a relatively happy place to be at present. While Liverpool are in control of the title race, their neighbours Everton are on course to qualify for next season's Champions League.

The Toffees, under the management of Roberto Martinez, have won their last seven matches - a feat that they have not achieved since they lifted the Division One trophy back in 1987.

Next up is a home encounter with Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, which could see Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley recalled to the starting lineup, having started the 1-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday among the substitutes.

In terms of injury concerns, Bryan Oviedo, Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone will all remain absent, while John Stones is expected to continue to deputise at the heart of the defence in place of England international Phil Jagielka.

Meanwhile, Palace make the trip having won their last three matches and as a result are seven points clear of the relegation zone.

It's unlikely that Tony Pulis will make too many alterations to his starting lineup, although Thomas Ince and Marouane Chamakh are thought to be in contention for a place.

The Eagles last won away at Everton back back in August 1997 when goals from Attilio Lombardo and Bruce Dyer sealed a 2-1 victory for the Londoners.

Recent form

Everton: WWWWWW

Palace: LDLWWW

Possible starting lineups

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Distin, Baines; Barry, McCarthy; Mirallas, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku

Palace: Speroni; Mariappa, Dann, Delaney, Ward; Dikgacoi, Jedinak; Ince, Puncheon, Ledley; Chamakh

Sports Mole says: 1-0