Everton host Crystal Palace at new stadium to open Premier League campaign
Everton begin their Premier League campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 22 August 2026, hosting Crystal Palace in a Matchday 1 fixture that renews a rivalry which has produced tight results in recent seasons.
Form and history
Both clubs arrive with matching recent form, each having won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches, leaving little to separate them heading into the new campaign.
The two sides have met five times in the Premier League since 2024, with Everton winning three of those encounters and the other two ending in draws. Their most recent meeting, on 10 May 2026, finished 2-2 at Crystal Palace, while Everton's last home win over their visitors came on 5 October 2025.
What to expect
With the season only just under way, this opening fixture offers both sides an early chance to set a tone, and given the closeness of their recent head-to-head record, another competitive contest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium would be no surprise.