Newcastle United will be aiming to make it three Premier League wins on the bounce when they visit Goodison Park to face Everton on Thursday evening.
Since returning from the international break, the Magpies have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League, sandwiched by a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Despite their mounting injury troubles, Eddie Howe can take pride from his boys’ performances of late.
Following the slender 1-0 win over Man United at St James’ Park over the weekend, the Toon Army have climbed to sixth in the table. They will be looking to close the gap on top four by beating Everton, who head into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 success away at Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United Team News
Eddie Howe cannot catch a break when it comes to Newcastle’s injury problems, with goalkeeper Nick Pope expected to spend four months on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in the win over Man United. He joins a packed treatment room which includes Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes and Javier Manquillo.
Anthony Gordon, who scored the winner against Man United last weekend, has emerged as a doubt after coming off with a knock, but the winger has since been pictured in first-team training as should be fit to start.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Everton (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Without Nick Pope for an extended spell, Newcastle will need to lean on Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius. As Dubravka replaced Pope in the second half against Man United, the Slovakian is expected to get the nod against Everton at Goodison Park.
Defence
In front of Dubravka, Eddie Howe is set to stick with the same backline that starred in the win over Man United. This means Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento will start as the full-backs in the Newcastle lineup, and they will look to contribute to the attack and protect the central defenders.
Jamaal Lascelles will start in central defence alongside Fabian Schar.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes will act as the anchor in the middle of the park, hoping to take control of the game as quickly as possible. Joelinton and Lewis Miley will add energy and drive to the side alongside him in the centre of the Newcastle lineup. The trio must function extremely well to keep things ticking over for the Magpies.
Attack
Finally, Alexander Isak will lead the line for the visitors, with Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron supporting the Swede from wide areas in the Newcastle lineup. The wingers will be expected to provide service for Isak in the box, whilst tracking back to help the full-backs when required.
