Newcastle United v Everton: Match Preview, Team News & Prediction

Both teams are still harbouring aspirations of qualifying for Europe and Everton currently sit one point above Newcastle in 9th place on 37pts.

In the reverse fixture the Magpies beat the Toffees 4-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in November to record our first away win of the season.

Match Preview

Eddie Howe's squad now go into a run of five home games on the trot buoyed by qualifying on Tuesday for the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, in the Premier League our recent form is poor having lost four of our last five games and we are now averaging just 1.33 points per game in the division this season.

That is our lowest points ratio in a season under Eddie.

Everton aren't on a great run of form either having won just one of their last five games, the others ending in two draws and two defeats.

But, only Arsenal and Aston Villa have conceded fewer goals than Everton's 31 and their defence will a tough nut to crack whichever front three Eddie selects.

Goals are Everton's problem, with just 29 scored this season leaving them on a GD of -2, one more than our GD of -1.

Newcastle go into the game looking to avoid losing three PL home games in a row for the first time since January/February 2021 under Steve Bruce.

However, we have a good record against Everton and a win would see us complete a league double for the sixth time in the top flight - only against Spurs (seven) have we achieved the double on more occasions.

Team News

There were no new injuries reported by Eddie in his presser today so he'll have the same squad to chose from as against Qarabag.

Malik Thiaw is available after his one match suspension so Eddie has to select four from Tripper, Thiaw, Botman, Burn and Hall if he plays 4-3-3.

I expect Gordon to lead the line so the midfield will be three from Tonali, Woltemade, Willock, Jo and Ramsey, if the latter is fit, after a slight injury ruled him out on Tuesday.

Barnes should start so the RW spot is between Murphy and Elanga.

For Everton, Jack Grealish and Carlos Alcaraz are both ruled out.

Match Prediction

With four defeats in our last five PL games, and only one win in six, this is probably the last chance saloon for us to have any chance of making a top six finish.

Another loss, or even a draw, would realistically leave us battling for a 7th place best finish.

And, even that could be difficult if Bournemouth beat Sunderland in the 12.30 KO - which we all hope they do.

Everton's away form is good and, as usual under David Moyes, they will be well organised and physical knowing a win will put distance over a fellow Europe seeking rival.

I'm not expecting many goals and for the first time this season my fiver is going on just one, in our favour.

It's a 1-0 home win prediction from me.

Not a member yet & want to comment on this post?

Click the Orange Box at the top of the page to join the blog

Last Post: It's Barcelona!

All Posts

Pre-Match Posts: For previous match previews, tactical analysis, predicted XIs, team news and match predictions, visit our Newcastle United Match Previews & Tactical Analysis | nufc blog hub