Anthony Gordon
Arsenal have been linked with a shock move for Anthony Gordon
One more game to go. One last push in the bid for Champions League qualification. One last team selection for Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle United boss has been preparing his side for their final Premier League game of the season as Everton visit St James' Park. The Magpies know that a win over the visitors will seal a place in the top five.
Howe has a number of selection decisions to make, mainly around injured pair Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak. The duo have been struggling for full fitness and the Toon boss admitted at his pre-match media briefing on Friday that he would have to assess them over the next 24 hours to see if they were ready.
If they are fit, they'll start the crunch clash. Newcastle need Isak's class in attack while Trippier's experience could be vital in what may turn into a nervy, tense afternoon with Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest competing with United for the three remaining Champions League spots.
Everton also have their injury concerns but there is another selection dilemma for Howe too, however. Anthony Gordon's place in the starting XI is far from guaranteed after a difficult spell for the forward in recent weeks.
Having returned from injury and suspension, Gordon was forced to be patient and wait for his chance due to the form of fellow wide players Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy. He was restricted to cameos off the bench and often failed to make his mark, but had a real impact as a second-half substitute in the draw against Brighton.
That, along with a tweak in formation, earned him starts against Chelsea and Arsenal, but the Scouser was at fault at the Emirates last week, losing the ball that led to Declan Rice's winner. And in general, he looked short of form and confidence.
If Howe decides to ditch the three centre-halves formation he utilised in the last two matches, and returns to his favoured 4-3-3 formation, it seems like one of Gordon, Murphy or Barnes will miss out. Gordon, of course, could be employed through the middle if Isak is unfit of even deeper as the third midfielder but his lack of form means his place is not guaranteed.
Chronicle Live asked readers and fans whether they would start Gordon against Everton and the verdict was overwhelmingly in favour. Almost 2,000 people took part in the vote and 77 per cent said that Howe should start the 24-year-old in the final game of the campaign.
The forward will be desperate to start against his old team, having left Everton in January 2023 in a £45million deal. Since then he has gone on to establish himself in the England squad and become one of the most feared players in the Premier League.
This week, Arsenal were linked with an £80m move for Gordon, while Liverpool have again been mentioned in dispatches, though Chronicle Live understands Arne Slot's side have other transfer priorities this summer.