Everton and Newcastle United are two clubs who have both battled for European places and the threat of relegation over the last couple of decades, and winning trophies hasn't been easy for either side during that time.
The Magpies ended their trophy drought recently, while the Toffees have been waiting since 1995, but it was a long time before Newcastle's most recent achievement that they'd lifted silverware. GIVEMESPORT have now taken a look at how the two sides compare in terms of players after an impressive summer transfer window for Everton.
An Easy Winner Between Pickford and Pope
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford
Everton's fighter for this one is, of course, Jordan Pickford. The experienced goalkeeper has been incredibly reliable between the sticks for Everton, and also his country too. Newcastle have both Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope competing for the number one spot at St James' Park, but neither player have been able to take Pickford's England shirt away from him.
Pickford starts between the sticks in this combined XI, and it's a comfortable selection to start with.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Newcastle Dominate the Defence
Tino Livramento in action for Newcastle United
The full-back positions for Everton have been a real issue over the last few years, whereas Newcastle are looking comfortable in both positions. David Moyes has shoehorned central defender Jake O'Brien into the right-back role since his arrival, while Vitalii Mykolenko has struggled on the left-hand side due to injuries and inconsistent form.
Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier have been Newcastle's starting full-back options this season, and it's difficult to see past them both starting in this combined XI.
In the centre of defence, it gets a little more tricky. Jarrad Branthwaite has been waiting patiently for a regular England chance, picking up unfortunate injuries during the time when Thomas Tuchel is selecting his squad. We're confident he'll be in there soon enough, and he starts in the combined XI alongside Sven Botman.
Dan Burn is perhaps unfortunate to miss out, but Brantwhaite's ability on the ball gives him a place in the side.
Defence: Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tino Livramento.
Ndiaye Disrupts Newcastle's Midfield Trio
Iliman Ndiaye
Iliman Ndiaye
It's rare that you see any of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, or Sandro Tonali dropped for Newcastle, but one of them has been in this combined XI. Guimaraes and Tonali will start as the holding midfield duo, but we're going slightly more attacking, with Iliman Ndiaye playing as a number 10 in front of them.
Although deployed as a winger for Everton, he's flourished during his career in a central role, and with the protection of Guimaraes and Tonali behind him, this could make a strong and dynamic midfield three.
Holding midfielders: Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes
Attacking midfield: Iliman Ndiaye
One Everton and One Newcastle Out Wide
everton jack grealish
With Ndiaye playing in a central role, Everton have little to offer on the right-hand side other than a young, inexperienced Tyler Dibling. The former Southampton man may develop into a world beater as many expect, but he misses out due to the experience and proven ability of Anthony Elanga, who starts on the right-hand side in this combined XI.
On the left, it's a battle between Jack Grealish and Anthony Gordon. Two England internationals on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to where they are in their careers. Gordon is a young talent yet to fully prove himself, whereas Grealish has been there and done it, winning a treble with Manchester City.
Grealish takes the left wing slot in this combined XI, with Gordon missing out for Newcastle.
Wingers: Anthony Elanga and Jack Grealish
Four Battle for the Striker Position
Nick Woltemade
Newcastle brought in both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade during the summer transfer window, with both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak departing. Wissa is certainly the player with more experience and pedigree, but Woltemade is a highly-rated produced from Germany. Based on his potential and profile, we're going with Woltemade as Newcastle's strongest pick.
Everton have both Thierno Barry and Beto. Two towering centre-forwards who have rotated in and out of the side for Moyes this season. Similar to Woltemade's inclusion, we're picking Barry for Everton.
Now, only one of Woltemade or Barry can take the last striker slot. Both players have performed well in their respective leagues before moving to England, but Woltemade's Euro U21 performances mean he edges it over Barry for this spot.
Final Everton and Newcastle Combined XI
Eddie Howe
Everton and Newcastle combined XI: Pickford; Trippier, Botman, Branthwaite, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali; Elanga, Ndiaye, Grealish; Woltemade.
Substitutes: Pope, Tarkowski, Burn, Mykolenko, Gueye, Joelinton, Dewsbury-Hall, Gordon, Wissa.