Tim Howard is convinced his Everton team-mates will not experience a Europa League hangover when they made a quick return to action against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park today.
Roberto Martinez’s men built on last week’s win at West Bromwich Albion with an emphatic 4-1 win over German side Wolfsburg to belatedly get their season up and running. And given the nature of their recent performance the Everton goalkeeper believes tired limbs will be the last thing on his team-mates’ mind.
Howard said: “I always think the more you play the less you have to train. Playing games keeps you ticking over and I feel when there’s points to be had, it’s easy to bounce back. We also knew if we could beat West Brom then double up and beat Palace we’d be right back in the thick of things so hopefully that will be the case.” Another team back from Europa League action is Tottenham, who host West Brom.
A dead leg makes Andros Townsend a doubt for the game, while right-back Kyle Walker remains absent with a hip injury.
Emmanuel Adebayor, Younes Kaboul, Mousa Dembele, Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose return to the squad after being rested for the draw away at Partizan Belgrade.