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Newcastle United play Everton at St James Park tomorrow night, in the second of a double header between the two teams.
The Magpies halted a run of league defeats with victory against Crystal Palace, while Everton come into this game off the back of defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal.
This has the makings of a tight game, but what can we expect to see from these two teams?
Key Battles
Amar Dedić v Tyrique George
George has made 10 appearances this season, scoring one goal, with his best performance coming last month against Manchester United. He was a constant threat on Thursday night.
The Chelsea loanee is a pacy, tricksy winger who wants to attack, and he likes to cut inside and unleash a shot from distance. He is improving the defensive side of his game under David Moyes too, so Dedić might have his work cut out at both ends of the pitch.
Will Osula v James Tarkowski
33-year-old Tarkowski has played 348 Premier League games, and the vastly experienced defender will know how to deal with Osula.
He tends to be in the right place at the right time to break up play, and he wins a lot of physical battles. However, he doesn’t have the speed to compete in a foot race, so if Osula can catch him in a 1v1, the Dane will have the advantage.
If Osula is fit enough to lead the line tomorrow, Tarkowski may have his work cut out, particularly if Newcastle can get a few crosses into the box.
The Tactical Battle
This is very much youth versus experience. David Moyes is doing well with a paper-thin squad after Everton’s terrible transfer window, but he is limited with how many changes he can make.
Moyes’ teams are disciplined and organised, particularly defensively, but they like to get the ball quickly up the pitch when attacking.
However, Everton’s defence could struggle against Newcastle’s pacy attack and be forced into playing long balls so their forwards can take advantage of the acres of space between Newcastle’s midfield and defence.
But if the Toffees end up chasing the game and have to play a high defensive line, Newcastle’s fast attack will take advantage.
Form Guide
The overall form of both teams is quite similar. Thursday night’s result means that Newcastle have won three and lost three of their previous six games in all competitions, while the Toffees have won two, drawn two, and lost two.
Everton just edge their Premier League head-to-head record, winning 25 games to Newcastle’s 24. The Toffees have also had the better of the last five league meetings, winning two and drawing two. The last game, at St James’ Park in February this year, finished 3-2 to Everton.
Predicted Newcastle XI
Horníček, Hall, Burn, Thiaw, Dedić, Nico, Joelinton, Barnes, Elanga, Wissa, Fernandez-Pardo
Score Prediction
Newcastle United 1-2 Everton
A quick turnaround for both teams, but I think that Everton will respond better as they will be lifted by Thursday’s result. Newcastle will have the advantage of the home crowd behind them, which will give them a boost, but I think Everton will come out on top again.