Newcastle United look to secure a top-five finish in a battle at home to Everton on the final day of the season.
Victory will guarantee Champions League qualification for Newcastle, who can still finish third if Manchester City lose at Fulham.
Everton are guaranteed 13th in the table regardless of the result.
Team News
Alexander Isak could return for Newcastle after he missed their defeat at Arsenal due to a groin injury.
Kieran Trippier (calf) and Matt Targett (hamstring) are doubts, whilst Joelinton (knee) and Lewis Hall (foot) remain absent.
Everton will be without Seamus Coleman after he picked up a thigh strain during their farewell win over Southampton at Goodison Park last weekend.
Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring) is a doubt but Orel Mangala (knee), Jesper Lindstrom (hernia) and James Tarkowski (hamstring) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Newcastle host Everton at St James’ Park on Sunday 25 May at 4pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have lost one of their last five meetings against Everton (W2, D2, L1).
- Everton have won just one of their last six visits to Newcastle (W1, D1, L4).
- Eddie Howe’s Magpies have never been held to three consecutive draws against Everton across all competitions.
- Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes have been booked in two of Newcastle’s last three home games (W3).
- No English goalkeeper in this season’s Premier League has made more sweeper clearances than Everton’s Jordan Pickford (34).
Prediction
Given their poor away record at Arsenal in the top-flight, it was always a tough ask for Newcastle to get a result but they just seemed to lack their usual clinical edge and creativity without Isak up top, which has to be a worry if he isn’t back but the prospect of a top-five finish will still motivate them in front of the home fans.
Everton meanwhile were absolutely clinical against a toothless Southampton in their farewell to Goodison Park and with 13th wrapped up, they have nothing to play for here so I expect them to play with freedom and try to have a say in the top-five race.
I however just can’t see Newcastle losing this with or without Isak up front as they do have other players like Harvey Barnes, Bruno Guimaraes and Jacob Murphy who can deliver, although Everton will put up a tough fight defensively even if it is in vain come full time.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Everton
Result: Newcastle 0-1 Everton
Leave a Reply