The Top Flight
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Everton vs. Crystal Palace: Combined XI ahead of Premier League clash

By Craig Pearson

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Romelu Lukaku (C) of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates Bryan Oviedo (L) and Aaron Lennon (R) during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on March 5, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Romelu Lukaku (C) of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates Bryan Oviedo (L) and Aaron Lennon (R) during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on March 5, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace gestures late in the second half during the Premier League match between Sunderland FC and Crystal Palace FC at Stadium of Light on September 24, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace gestures late in the second half during the Premier League match between Sunderland FC and Crystal Palace FC at Stadium of Light on September 24, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

Wingers

Both teams have a slew of attackers to consider in the wide areas. Wilfried Zaha being an injury doubt eases the decision-making a little bit. But that still leaves Palace able to field Andros Townsend and Jason Puncheon.

Everton have the likes of Kevin Mirallas, Yannick Bolasie, Aaron Lennon and Gerard Deulofeu available for selection. Could Ross Barkley even be employed in a wide role? You can move the pieces around a bit for this position.

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Barkley has failed to impress this season, however, but for a few glimpses here and there. Deulofeu is a similar story. Townsend has performed well for Palace and showed consistency. The only thing missing was a goal, which he eventually scored against Stoke a few games back.

Townsend takes up one of the wide roles. The other spot is going to either Bolasie or Mirallas. Bolasie is still a bit up and down in his performances, much like when he was at Palace prior. Mirallas can be unpredictable, but has shown an upturn in form under Koeman.

Mirallas is also more of a goal threat than what Bolasie is, so the Belgian takes up the spot on the other flank opposite Townsend. By the time these two team meet at Selhurst Park in January, these positions could totally flip around.

But based on the first six games, Townsend and Mirallas are in. Just.

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