Relegation-battling Everton entertain top-six chasing Newcastle at Goodison Park.
If Leicester and Crystal Palace win elsewhere, Everton could start this match needing victory to climb back out of the relegation zone.
Newcastle meanwhile could go fourth until Sunday afternoon with victory if Fulham fail to win at Manchester City.
Team News
Everton have no fresh injury concerns to report following their comeback win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
Seamus Coleman (ankle), Nathan Patterson (hamstring), Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti (both foot) remain absent.
Newcastle could welcome Kieran Trippier back into contention after he sat out their Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon, due to a knock suffered in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the top-flight last weekend.
Martin Dubravka, Nick Pope (both knee), Matt Targett (personal) and Fabian Schar (ankle) are expected to be in contention for selection.
Alexander Isak (toe), Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both knee), Lewis Miley (metatarsal) and Callum Wilson (back) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Everton host Newcastle at Goodison Park on Saturday 5 October at 5:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Everton have earned seven points in their last five meetings against Newcastle (W2, D1, L2).
- Newcastle have won two of their last ten visits to Everton (W2, D2, L6).
- Dwight McNeil has scored in each of Everton’s last two home matches against Newcastle (W1, L1).
- All four of Everton’s league goals at home this season came after half-time.
- Two of Newcastle’s four away goals in the top-flight this season were scored by Harvey Barnes.
Prediction
With a league win finally under their belt albeit via two quick-fire goals from Dwight McNeil against Palace, Everton do seem like they’re clicking now but their first-half defending was pretty scrappy when the Eagles were on.
Newcastle meanwhile were pretty impressive in how they defended resolutely and often were on top of Man City – which is no mean feat, especially as they went on to dominate AFC Wimbledon in midweek despite wasteful open play from both teams.
Eddie Howe also made eight changes for that games so with several regulars set to return here, I would like to see them play like they did against City because if they do then I can see them beating Everton’s shaky defence.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Newcastle
Result: Everton 0-0 Newcastle
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