Everton look to build on a winning start under Carlo Ancelotti as they visit Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
A win could allow Everton to leapfrog Newcastle into the top half of the table, whereas the Magpies could climb further into the top ten with victory.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesKi Sung-Yueng could return for Newcastle after missing their last two games with illness.
Paul Dummett (groin) could also return but Ciaran Clark (calf) won’t be available until New Year Day at earliest, with Jamaal Lascelles (heel) and Matt Ritchie set to return next weekend away at Rochdale in the FA Cup.
Allan Saint-Maximin (thigh) is still out for a few more weeks.
Everton could have Morgan Schneiderlin back from a calf injury which has sidelined him in recent weeks.
Jean-Phillipe Gbamin (tendon), Alex Iwobi (hamstring) and Andre Gomes (ankle) are still ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle ended a six match winless run against Everton in March with a dramatic 3-2 win (W1, D1, L5).
- Richarlison scored twice for Everton across both meetings last season, whilst the now departed Salomon Rondon scored likewise for Newcastle.
- Newcastle haven’t kept a clean sheet at home to Everton in their last eight meetings, since contesting a goalless draw in February 2009.
- Jordan Pickford has made five catches for Everton so far this season compared to just three catches in entirety of last season.
- Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron is yet to hit the woodwork this season.
Prediction
Newcastle will view this as a winnable game because they weren’t really going to get anything at Manchester United on Boxing Day, although they did produce a solid attacking performance but individual errors cost them a chance at a point.
Everton meanwhile are beginning to look more like a Europa League chasing team now that they have fresh confidence instilled, which will be key here against a Newcastle team who like to counter-attack at home on several occasions this season.
I therefore can see a cracker here because both teams have a point to prove in a very unpredictable race for fifth, although I am going for an Everton win because Newcastle just can’t keep clean sheets against them.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Everton
Result: Newcastle United 1-2 Everton