Everton are eyeing up European places as they seek a win against Newcastle United after two consecutive defeats
Everton’s season has hit a slight bump. Two consecutive home defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester United have stalled the momentum David Moyes had built, leaving the Toffees ninth in the table but still very much in the conversation for European qualification. The gap to the top seven is manageable, but only if results improve quickly.
Saturday’s trip to St James’ Park offers an opportunity to get back on track. Newcastle United sit two spots below Everton in the standings and will be desperate to leapfrog their visitors. The reverse fixture in November was a painful memory for Everton fans, with the Magpies running out 4-1 winners at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Newcastle United in form despite league stumbles
Newcastle enter this match on the back of an impressive 3-2 win over Qarabag in the Champions League, securing their place in the round of 16 with a 9-3 aggregate victory. That result extended their run in Europe, but their Premier League form tells a different story. Eddie Howe’s side have lost four of their last five league games, winning just once.
Newcastle United have scored 15 goals in their last five matches across all competitions, averaging three per game. Their rich scoring form will be a massive test for Everton’s defence. Former Everton winger, Anthony Gordon, has been in fine form, recently overtaking Alan Shearer as Newcastle’s all-time top goalscorer in the Champions League, and he is expected to lead the line once again.
Howe is expected to make several changes from the team that started the second leg against Qarabag, with Nick Pope, Lewis Hall and Kieran Trippier all likely to return.
Everton tactical tweaks and team news
Everton have their own selection decisions to make. Jake O’Brien returns from suspension after missing the Manchester United defeat, giving Moyes additional options at the back. Tim Iroegbunam is expected to drop out, with Vitalii Mykolenko potentially coming into the side and Jarrad Branthwaite shifting to left centre-back after Michael Keane’s error against United.
In midfield, James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye will need to be more expansive with their passing to unlock a Newcastle side that will look to control possession at home. Merlin Rohl could be an option if Moyes wants a different physical profile in the middle of the park.
Further forward, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been one of Everton’s most impactful players this season, particularly since Jack Grealish’s injury ended his campaign. The dynamic attacking midfielder needs to be given the freedom to connect play and find spaces between the lines.
Newcastle will be without Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar, a significant boost for the visitors. If Everton can exploit those absences and reproduce the spirit shown in recent away wins at Fulham and Aston Villa, a positive result is well within reach.
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