Newcastle United welcome Everton to St James’ Park on Wednesday evening, hoping to return back to winning ways in the Premier League.
Following on from stunning 4-1 and 5-1 victories against Fulham and Brentford respectively, the Magpies earned a credible point in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United away last weekend. The result sees Eddie Howe’s side remain sixth in the table and four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Back at home, Howe will want to see his team take the game to Everton, who head to Tyneside on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle’s club-record signing Alexander Isak will be out until December after suffering a setback in his recovery from a thigh problem, Eddie Howe confirmed in his presser. Allan Saint-Maximin also suffered a setback on his road to recovery from a hamstring problem last week, joining Matt Ritchie, Karl Darlow, and Emil Krafth for a spell on the sidelines.
Fabian Schar hobbled off the Old Trafford turf in the second half but is fit to face Everton, while Jonjo Shelvey returned to the matchday squad for the first time this season on Sunday and is available for selection again even though he still seems to be some way off a start.
Predicted Newcastle Lineup vs Everton (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope kept a clean sheet against Man United and will be determined to keep another when Everton visit Newcastle in midweek.
Defence
Due to a quick turnaround, Howe may decide to freshen up his side. Fabian Schar is fine to play again but the Newcastle boss may choose not to risk the defender. This could see Dan Burn getting tucked into his natural position at centre-back in the Newcastle lineup, where the lanky Englishman will partner Sven Botman.
Matt Targett should receive a start at left-back, with Kieran Trippier hoping to produce a strong display from the other side of the defence in the Newcastle lineup.
Midfield
In a bid to freshen things up, Joe Willock could be handed a start in the Newcastle lineup against the Toffees. Willock could replace Sean Longstaff in the middle of the park, joining Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton as a result. The Newcastle midfield must function as a unit and compete with the likes of Amadou Onana, Alex Iwobi and Idrissa Gueye on Wednesday.
Longstaff and Ryan Fraser might have to settle for a place on the bench, but the duo could be brought on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron will occupy the wide positions in the Newcastle lineup, looking to cause problems for Frank Lampard’s side with their pace, energy and directness. With Saint-Maximin and Isak injured, Callum Wilson becomes a certainty to lead the Magpies’ attack.
Howe will have Chris Wood on the bench and could bring on the big Kiwi if Newcastle are chasing a goal.