Newcastle United v Everton team news: Eddie Howe has confirmed his Newcastle United starting XI for the Premier League clash with Everton.
Eddie Howe’s side were victorious in the reverse fixture back in November and know that nothing but a win would see them end the day below the Toffees. David Moyes, meanwhile, saw his side fall to defeat against Manchester United on Monday night.
Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United v Everton
Speaking on Friday morning ahead of the clash with Everton, Howe predicted a tough game against the Toffees and wanted his side to improve their defensive efforts: “Yes, it's a big game for us,” Howe said. “I think Everton have done really well on their travels this year, they're a really tough team to beat.
“From their perspective, their away form has been really good, especially defensively. They've been very, very strong and we know historically from David's teams, they're very difficult to score against.
“So, a difficult game for us. One we're going to have to do really well in, in the sense of our attacking play has to be really good.
“Our defensive mentality has to be improved from what it has been in recent games. I think that's going to be the big focus.”
Howe, though, will be without a clutch of key players this afternoon, including his captain Bruno Guimaraes. Guimaraes is currently back in Brazil receiving treatment on a muscle injury and is not expected to return to action until after the March international break.
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Furthermore, long-term absentees Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento will also miss out this afternoon. An ankle injury has sidelined the former Switzerland international whilst Livramento has been ruled-out with a hamstring injury.
Lewis Miley will also miss out against the Toffees. The teenager suffered an injury to his leg against PSG in January and has not been seen in action since. Emil Krafth will also miss out today.
There is some good news for Howe, though, with both Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey being included in his squad. Thiaw missed out on Tuesday night through suspension whilst Ramsey has recovered from a ‘minor hamstring injury’ that saw him miss the win over Qarabag.
Newcastle United confirmed starting XI v Everton
Newcastle United starting XI v Everton: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon
Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Sven Botman, Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes, William Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Leo Shahar
Howe’s team suggests that Woltemade may return to a striker role this afternoon, with Elanga and Gordon flanking him. The German international netted against the Toffees on Merseyside playing up-front in November.
However, Howe could also have opted to keep him in midfield with Ramsey or Joelinton adopting a left-wing position with Gordon again leading the line through the middle. Unsurprisingly, at the other end of the pitch, Pope returns to the starting XI in place of Ramsdale with Thiaw also returning to the team, in place of Botman, following his suspension.
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