David Moyes & Abdoulaye Doucoure
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Sun 25 May 2025 15:01, UK
David Moyes has made a bold Abdoulaye Doucoure decision as Everton take on Newcastle United in the final game of the Premier League season.
For the Toffees, the match is meaningless in terms of position as they cannot mathematically shift from 13th place in the table.
As for Eddie Howe’s side, the game means everything as a win would ensure Champions League football next season.
With that in mind, Moyes has named his starting 11, making three changes to the side that defeated Southampton 2-0 last weekend.
Iliman Ndiaye scored both of Everton’s goals last weekend (Credit: Imago)
Moyes makes three changes for Newcastle clash
Everton head into their match with Newcastle as massive underdogs, but will be aiming to end the season on a high at St James’ Park.
Date Competition Result
19 October 2022 Premier League Newcastle 1-0 Everton
27 April 2023 Premier League Everton 1-4 Newcastle
7 December 2023 Premier League Everton 3-0 Newcastle
2 April 2024 Premier League Newcastle 1-1 Everton
5 October 2024 Premier League Everton 0-0 Newcastle
The Toffees are unbeaten in their last three with the Magpies
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
One man plotting to spoil Newcastle’s afternoon is Jordan Pickford, riding the wave of Sunderland’s play-off final victory over Sheffield United.
With Moyes going for victory, he has named an attacking starting line-up, with three changes to his team.
Ashley Young, Michael Keane and Jack Harrison all come into the side for Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Branthwaite and Coleman both went off injured against the Saints and are therefore unavailable, while Doucoure has been dropped.
That decision is an intriguing one and may have been influenced by the news that the Frenchman will depart the North West club this summer.
Moyes to lay siege to Newcastle goal
There is no doubt Moyes will be targeting goals, with a host of attackers to play at St James’ Park.
Beto, Carlos Alcaraz and Ndiaye have all been named in the side, while Harrison will also pose an attacking threat.
The decision to drop Doucoure is one that could backfire, given the influence he can have in behind the Everton attack.
Given that Howe likes to play attacking football, the Toffees could be opened up if the Magpies are on form.
On the other hand, if Moyes’ bold decision pays off, then Everton could leave the North East with several goals in the bag.
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