Alan Shearer expects to see changes to the Newcastle United starting XI against Everton.
The Newcastle United legend already thinks Eddie Howe has a big Nick Pope decision to make, but has not stated whether he thinks Aaron Ramsdale will replace him.
However, Alan Shearer is still expecting at least two changes to the starting lineup, as Newcastle face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first ever time.
Can Newcastle end their horrible away form vs Everton? Give us your predictions in the comments!
Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon misses a penalty in a Premier League game against Everton.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Nick Woltemade and Lewis Hall backed to start for Newcastle United against Everton
After beating Manchester City last weekend, Eddie Howe dropped Nick Woltemade and Lewis Hall to the bench against Marseille.
That decision made sense as the Newcastle United manager looks to preserve their fitness, but they should return to the side on Saturday evening.
That is the view of Shearer, who has said on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast that he expects Woltemade and Hall to start against Everton.
Nick Woltemade in action for Newcastle United against Marseille.
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
“I know he left Woltemade out and played Gordon down the middle,” he said.
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“Didn’t play Lewis Hall. I guess they come back in at the weekend.
“They’ve got a toughie against Everton away from home. They’ve got to sort their away form out. It’s been really poor.”
Newcastle United match-goers, what are you most excited about for your first ever trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium?
“Across the concourses, supporters can enjoy giant pigs in blankets, Christmas dinner Yorkshire pudding wraps, loaded sausage rolls, festive pizza slices and hearty rosti bites.”
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A general exterior view of Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Who could Nick Woltemade and Lewis Hall replace against Everton?
Shearer’s prediction is surely accurate. Both Woltemade and Hall should start, with the duo featuring in Geordie Boot Boys’predicted Newcastle United XI to face Everton.
Restoring them to the starting lineup is an easy decision for Howe, but the issue is who do they replace.
Woltemade’s inclusion puts two players at risk, with Jacob Murphy being the most likely to drop out. Harvey Barnes is undroppable right now, while Anthony Gordon very rarely starts on the bench when fit.
When it comes to Hall, he will replace one of the three centre-backs who started against Marseille. Howe deployed a back five in the Champions League, but will revert to a 4-3-3 when Newcastle face Everton.
Malick Thiaw is certain to start, so it is between Fabian Schar and Dan Burn. That is a difficult choice, as Burn’s height is a real asset and he is a natural left footer. However, Schar did very well against Man City and his passing range can be a dangerous weapon.
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