Roy Hodgson has admitted Everton will provide a tough challenge to Crystal Palace this weekend thanks to their 'excellent' new signings.
Carlo Ancelotti will take his squad to Selhurst Park on Saturday looking to continue a fantastic start to the 2020/21 season.
The Blues have won all four of their matches so far in all competitions, most recently booking their place in the fourth round of the League Cup thanks to a 5-2 victory over Fleetwood Town on Wednesday evening.
Palace themselves have six points from their opening two Premier League matches, and their manager is looking forward to another meeting with Ancelotti.
However, he's not so keen on the challenge Everton will pose.
Hodgson admitted in his pre-match press conference : "He is a friend from my Italian days, and I am looking forward to seeing him, albeit not so much looking forward to the challenge his team are going to present on Saturday."
Lots of discussion has been made surrounding Everton's transfers ahead of the season and how they have changed the club so far.
Allan. James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure were all confirmed in quick succession over the summer and started both of the club's Premier League fixtures this term.
All three have hit the ground running in their time at Goodison and Hodgson believes they have made a significant difference - while also highlighting two players already at the club who are improving every year.
The Palace boss added: "I thought they were a little bit unlucky last year not to finish higher than they did, because last year they were a good team, too.
"But there’s no doubt that the players that they’ve brought in this year have made a considerable difference. And of course, getting [André] Gomes back from injury has probably helped as well.
"But I think the signings of Abdoulaye Doucouré, James Rodríguez and Allan are three excellent signings.
"They’ve added to their attacking threat. Certainly, [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin gets better every year. Richarlison, of course, another one who gets better."
