Newcastle vs Everton - Predicted line ups and match preview
Newcastle get an immediate chance to put Thursday night’s disappointing Carabao Cup defeat behind us when Everton arrive to St James’ Park on Monday evening.
Our 3-1 loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium was a frustrating one that summed up much of our season so far. Too easy to score against, individual errors, soft in midfield and toothless up top.
However, from a Premier League perspective, we head into this having beaten Crystal Palace 2-0 in our previous league outing, handing us the chance to not only respond on home turf but move up the 7th.
Matthias Jaissle will want a much-improved defensive performance - all three goals on Thursday were far too easy - and more quality in the final third after we failed to capitalise on several openings at Everton.
Predicted line-ups
Jaissle has a few selection decisions to make after Thursday’s defeat, with Will Osula a doubt after twisting his ankle during the cup tie. Lewis Miley and Matias Fernandez-Pardo are also doubts, while Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen remain unavailable.
Osula's likely absence could see Yoane Wissa or Fernandez-Pardo return in the No.9 role, with Joelinton likely to return in midfield after Jacob Ramsey was taken off at half-time in midweek.
Newcastle predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hornicek - Dedic, Schar, Burn, Hall - Nico Gonzalez, Joelinton - Elanga, Willock, Barnes; Wissa.
Everton predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford - Rohl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko - Garner, Armstrong - Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, George - Barry.
For Everton, Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to be available after following concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish’s involvement remains uncertain after being left out of the squad for Thursday’s cup tie for disciplinary reasons.
Match prediction
I'm expecting a much more determined performance under the lights at St James’ Park. The question is, can we break down a stubborn Everton defence, show the quality we failed to in our last meeting, be competitive in midfield and tighten up defensively.
That's a lot to ask, but highlights the areas we simply have to improve if we're ever going to find a consistent patch of form under Jaissle.
Everton will arrive with confidence after their cup victory, but their away form in the Premier League has been poor. They are still searching for their first league win on the road this season, having three draws against Bournemouth, Hull and Spurs prior to a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
I don’t expect an easy evening, but I think we'll get the job done...just.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Everton
Howay the lads!
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Everton vs Newcastle - Predicted line up and match preview
Everton vs Newcastle - Predicted line up and match preview