So finally…match day dawns after what has seemed the longest and a near meaningless fortnight for most of us.

And let’s try to forget that we will be going through the same again next month – the third international break in three months – at a time of the year surely when we should be focusing entirely on the Premier League.

Everton away, whatever the circumstances surrounding both teams, is always a tricky affair but lets relish the fact that for a pleasant change it’s the opposition in trouble rather than us.

Ok, we have a poor result behind us but given that Palace won more games on the road than any other last season behind Manchester City and Liverpool, there may be an excuse.

This will be different and given their position Everton will need to be on the front foot as they go for the goals they desperately need.

That will give the Hammers room to create the goal chances which I believe will ultimately win us this match.

Everton are in poor shape, have regulars missing and whilst they have former Hammers target Andre Gomes back, he has just half a match behind him after an extended absence and will surely need time to return to his best.

Meanwhile, skipper Seamus Coleman will b out suspended with midfielder Fabian Delphi also a definite absentee.

Oddly, given the League positions and form lines, The Toffees are marginal favourites for the game but frankly, if we are at our best – or 90 per cent of it – that should be enough.

The opposition may well match us up but with the likes of Yarmo and Haller and Lanzini due a big game I see us getting the win we will need to maintain our position.

A victory here will set us up very nicely indeed for the upcoming games against Sheffield United and Newcastle. Nine points would set us up very nicely indeed for that unbearable break next month.