Ashley Young Everton
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Fri 23 May 2025 12:40, UK
Everton head into the final game of the Premier League season with the pressure off after David Moyes guided them to safety.
The same cannot be said for their opponents, Newcastle United, who can secure Champions League football with a win.
While it could be argued that the Toffees have nothing to play for, some of their players would disagree.
David Moyes applauds fans
Moyes has transformed Everton (Credit: Imago)
Everton players out to spoil Newcastle party
Newcastle will be hungry for victory as they chew over a meeting with the Toffees this Sunday.
The Magpies head into the crucial encounter in a favourable fourth position, but only one point separates them and seventh-place Nottingham Forest.
Position Team Played Points
3rd Manchester City 37 68
4th Newcastle United 37 66
5th Chelsea 37 66
6th Aston Villa 37 66
7th Nottingham Forest 37 65
Newcastle are in a good position heading into the final day
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With a top five finish guaranteeing Champions League football next season, the goal is clear for Eddie Howe’s men.
However, there will be one man who is hoping to crush Newcastle’s European hopes this weekend.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is a boyhood Sunderland supporter and will do all he can to stop the Magpies.
England’s number one has previous in this fixture and caused a stir when celebrating emphatically in front of the Toon Army.
As Ashley Young featured on talkSPORT (22 May), he stated exactly why the Goodison club must defeat Howe’s side.
Young said: “It’d be nice if [Pickford], given his roots with Sunderland, can stop Newcastle from getting in the Champions League.
“That’d make [my final game] even better.”
Pickford will have Sunderland on his mind this weekend (Credit: Imago)
Newcastle favourites, but Moyes can spring shock
There is no doubt that Newcastle will head into the match as favourites, given that it means so much more to them.
Not only that, but the North East club possess a strong side and could welcome back Alexander Isak to the starting eleven.
However, underestimate Everton at your peril.
Moyes has made the Toffees a different animal, and they are more than capable of rubbing shoulders with the league’s best.
The 62-year-old has already defeated Forest and picked up a point against champions Liverpool.
As Newcastle eye Europe, Pickford and co will be hellbent on ruining their day for the Mackems.
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