Everton will play hosts to Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Thursday evening, with both teams aiming to build on their Premier League victories last weekend.
The Toffees bounced back from the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United with a 1-0 success away at Nottingham Forest, thanks to a second-half strike from Dwight McNeil. With Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town dropping points, Sean Dyche’s side have a great opportunity to move out of the relegation zone with a win.
On the other hand, an injury-ravaged Newcastle United defeated Manchester United 1-0 at St James’ Park last weekend. Before the Man United game, Eddie Howe’s men had smashed 10-man Chelsea 4-1 at home. So, they will be in a buoyant mood heading into the game in Merseyside.
On that note, here are the key battles that could define the outcome of the game.
#Anthony Gordon vs Ashley Young
If Anthony Gordon shows even half of the energy and class he displayed against Man United, Newcastle should be fine on Thursday. The English winger tormented the Man United defence with his speed, movement and direct running before coming up with the winning goal in the second half.
Gordon is available after shaking off a knock last weekend, which is good news for Eddie Howe and Newcastle fans, and he will be raring to impress against his former employers. Ashley Young is primed to start at right-back despite Seamus Coleman returning from injury. He is a smart, dependable player, but nowhere as quick as Gordon. Also, keep in mind that the veteran full-back recently struggled to cope with Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho at Goodison Park.
So, how Young adapts to Gordon’s speed and movement could prove to be a determining factor on Thursday evening.
#Alexander Isak vs James Tarkowski
Alexander Isak has been among Newcastle’s best performers this season, and his predatory instincts in front of goal has been evident as he has scored seven goals in 10 league appearances.
Now, this is where James Tarkowski’s experience and leadership skills could come in handy. He is a strong, no-nonsense defender who knows how to organise the Everton backline. Along with Jarrad Branthwaite, the England international will need to keep things compact and rigid at the back to limit Isak’s influence in the game.
In addition to scoring goals, Isak’s ability to link play and create chances for his teammates could be the difference between Newcastle winning and losing.
#Abdoulaye Doucoure vs Bruno Guimaraes
In the injury absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure has amped up to be a sufficient leader in attack. He has four goals in 14 games while operating as an advanced midfielder, and the Frenchman’s goalscoring instincts make him one of the players whom Newcastle’s midfield will want to keep an eye on.
Hence, Bruno Guimaraes will have his work cut out in midfield. The Brazilian’s ability to dispossess attacks regularly as well as dictate the tempo of play makes him one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s teamsheet. His primary task will be to stop Doucoure from making late runs in the box as this could be effective in weakening Everton’s attack.
All in all, the midfield battle between Doucoure and Bruno will be an intriguing watch.
