Everton’s Sunderland-supporting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford won’t want to do Newcastle United any favours in their bid for Champions League qualification.
The Magpies missed the opportunity to get the job done with a game to spare by losing 1-0 to Arsenal on Sunday. But in truth, little changes, albeit the pressure levels are higher.
Like they did against Arsenal, Eddie Howe’s side head into Sunday’s final St James’ Park clash against Everton knowing a win will guarantee a top-five finish, regardless of results elsewhere. Anything less and they will have to hope other teams slip up.
Just one point separates Newcastle in third and Nottingham Forest in seventh. United are level on 66 points with Chelsea and Aston Villa, though are above on goal difference. Manchester City and Forest have 65 points but the latter will climb into third - if they beat AFC Bournemouth in their game in hand on Tuesday evening.
Chelsea and Forest face each other at the City Ground this weekend, while Aston Villa travel to Manchester United and Man City visit Fulham. But again, Howe’s men won’t have to pay any attention to those results should they do their job and win.
Everton taunt Newcastle United with Jordan Pickford
But one man who won’t want to do Newcastle any favours is Everton’s Mackem goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who is used to taking an enormous amount of stick when the two clubs meet.
It’s so much so that Everton supporters have recently created a chant that references Pickford’s apparent hatred for Newcastle and bitter rivals Liverpool and ends with the lyrics “Jordan Pickford’s dynamite”.
If you haven’t heard it, you no doubt will at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Jordan Pickford on getting stick from Newcastle United fans
Pickford has endured some mixed performances against Newcastle across the years but came out on top in October when he saved Anthony Gordon’s penalty in a 0-0 draw.
Asked after that game about the stick he gets from Newcastle fans, Pickford said: “I just crack on with my game. I know they give me stick, but I stay focused. I’ve learned from the past. I stay focused and I just want to do my best for the badge. They can give me stick if they want, I’m only up the road from them.”
After his heroics that day, Newcastle will hope it’s them who get the laugh last on the final day of the season.
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