Champions League qualification is on the line for Newcastle United, who host Everton on the final day of the Premier League season, knowing that only a win guarantees them a top-five finish.
Anything less than bagging three points will leave Eddie Howe’s side vulnerable to being overtaken by either Chelsea or Nottingham Forest, who face each other, or Aston Villa, who visit Old Trafford and a ridiculously bad Manchester United.
Newcastle come into Sunday’s decider having won six consecutive league games at St. James’ Park, a run that includes dominant displays against Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich.
Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, the Magpies have lost just twice in their last ten league matches. Alexander Isak missed that Arsenal game due to muscle tightness but is expected to return.
If Isak can’t go, Callum Wilson may start after recovering from injury in a rather concerning development and news for the Magpies’ starting XI. Wilson has scored eight times in ten Premier League appearances against Everton, but he’s been horrible of late.
Kieran Trippier remains doubtful, while Lewis Hall, Joelinton, and Matt Targett are all ruled out.
For Everton, the fixture holds less weight. David Moyes’ side is locked into a 13th-place finish regardless of the outcome, but are chasing a third straight win after beating Fulham and Southampton. They last ended a league campaign with three consecutive victories in the 1980s.
Newcastle have won their last six home games and eight of their last ten final-day fixtures. A seventh straight win at St. James’ Park would send them back to the Champions League. Here’s hoping!
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
On Isak’s fitness...
“Alex is doing OK. He hasn’t trained with us yet, but has made good progress.
“The next few days will be crucial to his availability for the weekend. There is a chance. We will only play him if he is fit to contribute. We will leave the decision on Alex until tomorrow.”
On Joelinton and Kieran Trippier...
“No, Joelinton won’t be back (for the Everton game) - he has had another injection in his knee. He is making good progress. We envisage he will be back for pre-season with no problems.
“Kieran hasn’t trained with us yet, but has a chance in the next couple of days to build up his load. We will see on his availability.”
On Sunday’s opponents...
“Everton have been in really good form, difficult to beat, and the challenge is a big one. We will have to be focused and concentrate on what we need to do to win the game.”
On results elsewhere...
“We can’t look for any favours from anybody, we can only do our bit.
“For us, we know what we have to do.”
On a big occasion at St. James’ Park...
“We have, this season so far, attacked the game, been fearless in our approach. Then, galvanised by the crowd, it allows us to rise to any game we are playing.
“We have to be relaxed and in that sweet spot, in that right emotional state.”
On Arsenal last weekend, and being back at home...
“I thought we deserved more from Arsenal. The lads were disappointed with the result.
“Training has been lively this week, they’ve been in good spirits, and we are looking forward to it. It will be a great atmosphere and a great occasion. To be at home, in front of our supporters... it is in our hands.”
Howay!
Date: Sunday, May 25th
Kick-off: 16:00 BST / 11:00 EST
Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (England)
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