Newcastle United must beat Everton on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League season to guarantee Champions League qualification.
The 2024-25 Premier League season comes to an end this weekend. While the Toffees have little to play for except pride, everything is still on the line for Newcastle.
David Moyes’ side beat Southampton 2-0 in their last-ever game at Goodison Park yesterday to secure a 13th place finish, however the Magpies’ 1-0 defeat at Arsenal means their bid for Champions League qualification goes to the final day.
Newcastle head into the game at St James’ Park requiring a win to secure a spot in Europe’s premier competition next season. Anything less than that will force them to rely on results elsewhere.
Everton suffer two fresh injuries ahead of Newcastle United clash
Injuries have begun to hit United’s squad in recent weeks, but they managed to come through unscathed against Arsenal. Everton, however, look to have sustained two fresh problems.
Seamus Coleman made his first start since Boxing Day to captain the Toffees against the Saints, though his afternoon lasted just 17 minutes due to a thigh problem.
Speaking about the impact of the Irishman’s early withdrawal, Moyes said: “I'm really pleased but really disappointed because he has picked up a thigh strain early in the game which actually affected us in other ways as the substitutions we made got changed and made us weak in the second half as we couldn't take some players off who were fatigued.”
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Everton appeared to be dealt a further blow inside the remaining quarter of an hour when Jarrad Branthwaite was spotted limping before he was replaced by Michael Keane.
Moyes is already without his other first-choice centre-back in James Tarkowski. Losing Branthwaite would likely see Michael Keane come in alongside Jake O’Brien in a new-look partnership.
Newcastle United assessing Alexander Isak ahead of Everton clash
Whether the pair will come up against Alexander Isak remains to be seen after United’s top goalscorer missed the visit to Arsenal because of a groin issue.
Providing an update after the game, Howe said: “That's unknown. I don't know at this moment in time. He only felt pain really after training. He felt fine during training and then just a bit of stiffness, really so he went for a scan this morning purely as a precaution.
“But then it became obvious he wasn't going to be fit to play so I don't know. I think a lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days.
“I don't think this is a surgery issue. I don't think it's something that needs mending. It certainly probably needs looking at as to why he's getting these sort of groin complaints. But yeah, it's definitely not a surgery issue.
“It's probably more of a what's he doing to strengthen that area issue, which we'll of course look at and focus on.”
Kieran Trippier is a doubt after missing the last two games with a calf issue while Joelinton is expected to sit out again due to a knee problem. Matt Targett (hamstring) and Lewis Hall (foot) have already been ruled out until next season.
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