Newcastle United midfielder Joelintonplaceholder image
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton | Getty Images
Nick Woltemade looks set to start as a striker for Newcastle United against Everton this afternoon.
Eddie Howe has named Joelinton in his Newcastle United line-up to face Everton.
The Brazilian started in midweek against Qarabag after returning from a groin issue. Joelinton played just under an hour and appears to have come through unscathed as he makes his full Premier League comeback this afternoon.
While he came off the bench at Manchester City last weekend, Joelinton has not started a top-flight fixture since the 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa last month.
In other team news, Jacob Ramsey has also returned to the matchday squad following a hamstring problem. Hinting about Ramsey’s inclusion at his press conference yesterday, Howe said: “We hope Jacob will train today. So yes, fingers crossed he is back tomorrow.”
Malick Thiaw also makes the starting line-up after getting a much-deserved rest in midweek. The German - supported by Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Kieran Trippier in defence - was suspended for the win over Qarabag. Nick Pope will wear the gloves after he was also rested for the Champions League.
Joelinton returns
In midfield, Joelinton has been given the box-to-box role, with Sandro Tonali as the anchor and Ramsey the creative force in the No.8 position. Anthony Gordon ditches the No.9 role against his former club, allowing Nick Woltemade to lead the line again. Anthony Elanga will start on the right flank.
Howe backed Gordon to overcome his demons since leaving Everton three years ago. The England international is yet to find the net against the Toffees and infamously missed a penalty at Goodison Park last season.
Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon
“Without going back over old ground, I think it's a new game,” Howe said. “I think Anthony's been very good in this season, in particular sort of blanking out emotions from previous seasons and just focusing on the future. That's what he'll have to do again.
“This is obviously a fixture that means a lot to him - you can't deny that. It's his former team who did a lot for him in his career and I think he's very grateful for that.
“But of course, there's a will for him, regardless of the opponent, to do well for Newcastle and for his teammates now. He's in a really good place. The last few weeks I think he's been outstanding for us and my wish for him is that he doesn't think too much and just carries on trying to play the same way.”
Newcastle United XI to face Everton
Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Joelinton, Ramsey; Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade
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