The Premier League’s first matchday will see Crystal Palace take on Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, a brand-new venue that opened in 2025 and can seat 52,888 spectators. The stadium’s home section holds 13,000 fans, and the stands sit just five metres from the pitch, creating a hostile atmosphere for any visiting side.
Palace, nicknamed the Eagles, entered the season after a historic UEFA Conference League triumph last year, but finished 15th in the Premier League. Their recent form includes a 3-0 loss to Freiburg, a 2-1 win over Fulham and a 3-1 victory against Al Ula. The team’s leading scorer last season was Senegalese forward Ismaïla Sarr, who will be the player to watch for Palace. Sarr’s pace and counter-attack prowess have made him the Eagles’ offensive linchpin.
Everton, known as the Toffees, finished 13th in the previous campaign and are looking to start the season with a stronger performance. Their pre-season schedule saw a 1-1 draw with Lille, a 3-1 win over Newcastle United and a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart. The club’s new signing, Welsh winger Brennan Johnson, arrived from Palace in a blockbuster transfer. Johnson’s speed and directness on the wing will be a key factor for Everton as he faces his former club in the opening fixture.
The head-to-head record between the sides stands at 34 official matches: Everton have won 16, Palace 5, and there have been 13 draws. The match will be broadcast live on VAVEL, with additional coverage available on Peacock in the United States and via USA Network.
José Leal will host the live broadcast, providing pre-match analysis, score updates and live commentary. The game promises to be a high-intensity encounter, with both teams eager to secure a win and set the tone for the rest of the season.
The match is scheduled to kick off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where the proximity of the stands to the pitch is expected to amplify the atmosphere for both sets of supporters.
