Everton take on Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday afternoon.
David Moyes’ men have already secured a 13th-place finish, which will give them a sizable prize money payout.
Everton News understands the Friedkin Group could bank as much as £140m for the Toffees’ league finish.
Meanwhile, for the hosts, they have a lot riding on today’s game as they must win to ensure qualification to the Champions League.
Everton will meet their former academy graduate Anthony Gordon, who will be a hot topic among supporters and media.
And, with that said, Eddie Howe has now made an interesting claim about Gordon ahead of the St James’ Park clash.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Eddie Howe admits Anthony Gordon has struggled this season
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has reflected on Gordon’s season and admitted that it’s been a difficult year for him.
“If you talk to Anthony a little bit up and down, I don’t think he’s had a smooth season,” Howe told reporters.
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“I think the season before for him would have been one of real progression in his career. It was almost a breakthrough season for him where he went into new ground, really.
“I think he had a difficult summer with England where he didn’t play as much as he maybe hoped he would at the start of that campaign.
Howe continued: “But of course, he had the sending off [against Brighton] and then missing the cup final would have been a huge blow for him. And he’s had to have real mental strength towards the end of the season after picking up his injury with England to regroup and then come back stronger.”
Gordon has lost his place to Harvey Barnes in recent weeks
Gordon’s form has resulted in Harvey Barnes taking his place in recent weeks, although, he has managed to get back into Howe’s starting line-up in the last two games.
Even then, the former Everton wide player has been forced to operate in a more central role, with Barnes and Murphy preferred on the flank.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Premier League 33 6 6
FA Cup 2 1 0
EFL Cup 6 2 1
Gordon stats 24/25
So expect to see Gordon popping up in the middle this afternoon, rather than running at Ashley Young – which will be his final game for the Merseysiders.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane have both predicted Newcastle to beat Everton 2-0.