Newcastle United host a struggling Everton side this Wednesday as the hosts look to return to winning ways having secured a valuable draw against Manchester United last weekend. With both teams in need of three points, the Magpies will be keen on maintaining their five-game unbeaten run while the visitors will be looking for their first points having lost their last two league outings ahead of the midweek game at St. James’ Park.
Accounting for two victories and three draws in their last five outings, Newcastle will be keen on improving their tally of points over the coming weeks. Having conceded the least number of goals (9) in the league hitherto, Eddie Howe’s side are expected to continue remaining a formidable defensive force whilst needing to improve on their attacking prowess moving forward. Fresh off a compelling 5-1 victory against Brentford in their previous home fixture, the Magpies will be looking to replicate the same against Everton come Wednesday.
On the other hand, having struggled for points following their loss to Manchester United, Everton will be keen on regaining momentum over the coming weeks. Having won two, lost two, and drawn once in their last five league fixtures, Frank Lampard’s side will be looking to move into the top half of the league table before the World Cup. With the team accounting for only two victories in the ten games played hitherto, Everton will be looking to secure nothing but three points against Newcastle.
When & Where?
Venue: St James’ Park.
Date: Wednesday, 19th October 2022.
Time: 19:30 BST.
Match Officials
Referee: Tony Harrington.
Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick, Mark Scholes.
Fourth Official: Anthony Taylor.
VAR Official: Andre Marriner.
Team News
Newcastle United
Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin are said to have suffered a setback in their recovery from injury, with the former unlikely to feature for the club before the World Cup. Matt Ritchie, Karl Darlow, and Emil Krafth emerge as the only other players out of contention due to injury whilst midfielder Jonjo Shelvey remains available for selection having returned to the match-day squad against United last weekend.
Unlikely to make major changes to the starting lineup that secured a draw at Old Trafford, Howe will be looking to register a compelling three points on Wednesday. Matt Targett, Joe Willock, and Ryan Fraser are likely to push for a starting place, with the manager expected to marginally rotate his squad for the game against Everton.
Everton
Nathan Patterson, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey, and Andros Townsend continue to remain on the sidelines, with no new injury concerns ahead of the tie against Newcastle. Having served his one-game ban against Tottenham Hotspur, Anthony Gordon is expected to slot back into the starting line-up with the winger likely to replace Dwight McNeil in the starting line-up on Wednesday.
Although having made two substitute appearances, Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains unlikely to start the game against Newcastle, with Neil Maupay expected to lead the line for Everton at St James’ Park. Lampard is unlikely to make major changes to the starting line-up, with the team having emerged as a settled side in recent weeks heading into the fixture.
Match Analysis
With both sides keen on three points, Wednesday’s encounter at St James’ Park is likely to produce a compelling match-up on the pitch. Expected to employ a positive approach, both managers are unlikely to settle for a draw, with either team needing to accumulate points before the World Cup break.
Having succeeded in churning out positive results owing to their impressive defensive organisations, Newcastle are expected to continue remaining solid in the department whilst looking to exploit a vulnerable Everton defence on Wednesday. With a decent blend of pace and aggression in their frontline, the Magpies will be looking to dominate possession in a bid to intimidate the opposition for most of the ninety minutes. Moreover, facing a boisterous Everton midfield, the hosts are likely to utilise the flanks to progress up the pitch whilst looking for opportunities to turnover possession in the visitors’ half at St James’ Park. Likely to remain vulnerable on set pieces, Newcastle will be wary of Everton’s aggression in attacking areas on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, likely to pose a physical challenge to the hosts, Everton will be keen on remaining solid in defence whilst retaining position in key areas of the pitch against Newcastle. Boasting an exciting blend of pace and creativity in the frontline, the Toffees will be looking to make the best of their goal-scoring and set-piece opportunities whilst looking to break down Newcastle’s organised defence through incisive gameplay on Wednesday.
Key Players
Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle United
Having netted twice against Brentford earlier this month, Guimaraes is likely to play a pivotal role in the team’s prospects this Wednesday. Expected to contribute creatively from the midfield, the Brazilian’s impressive playmaking skills combined with his ability to contribute goals is likely to have an impact on the pitch against Everton. However, facing a physically imposing midfield trio, Guimaraes will be looking to nullify the Toffees’ ability to retain possession by progressing the ball into key areas of the pitch on Wednesday.
Anthony Gordon – Everton
Having served his suspension, Gordon will be itching to return to the pitch for Everton this Wednesday. Accounting for two league goals this season, the forward’s tenacity combined with his creativity and willingness in and around the 18-yard-box is likely to pose a challenge to Newcastle’s defence at St. James’ Park. Moreover, expected to utilised in a wide role, Gordon will be keen on stretching the opposition’s defence in a bid to create gaps in Newcastle’s otherwise compact defensive structure this Wednesday.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Everton: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Matt Targett; Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser.
Everton predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman, Conor Coady, James Tarkowski, Vitaly Mykolenko; Alex Iwobi, Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana’ Demarai Gray, Neil Maupay, Anthony Gordon.
