Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that Crystal Palace are the best defensive side in the Premier League.
The Toffees, who are fourth in the table, will continue their bid to secure Champions League qualification when they host Palace at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.
However, Martinez has conceded that Palace boss Tony Pulis will make his side difficult to beat.
"We know how difficult it's going to be. The mind is very much set on the two big challenges that we have - two away games and three massive home games," Martinez told Sky Sports News.
"Those home games start on Wednesday against Crystal Palace. You look at Palace and in my eyes they are the best defensive set-up in this league, especially when Tony Pulis arrived at the club.
"They don't concede many goals, if any, and they are on their best run of the year with three consecutive wins. So we're well aware at Everton that we need to create a special atmosphere under the floodlights and help the players face a very difficult fixture."
Palace held Everton to a goalless draw when the sides last met at Selhurst Park in November.
Steven Toplis
