Newcastle United will make the trip to Merseyside today for their Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park, and Eddie Howe could be set to make some changes.
It has been a positive week of performances for the Magpies after securing a draw against Manchester City and a victory over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park.
However, the North East giants will be back on the road today as they head to the North West for their meeting with Sean Dyche’s side, it is set to be an interesting match-up, with Everton struggling for points and Newcastle’s away form typically unpredictable.
The Toffees have only picked four points from their first six league outings with a victory over Crystal Palace last weekend a huge turning point for them, which could prove to be a disadvantage for Newcastle as Everton will go into the game with new confidence.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have had a great start to the season in terms of points as they are currently seventh in the top flight, just three points shy of the top four, despite concern surrounding performances and a lack of depth secured in the summer transfer window.
In terms of injuries, Alexander Isak remains a huge blow for the attacking threat of the team as he continues to be ruled out to recover from a toe injury and is joined by Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Martin Dubravka and Matt Targett.
Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope will be subjected to late fitness tests, however, Howe confirmed in his pre-match press conference that all three should be available for selection.
The Newcastle boss also gave a more in-depth analysis of Isak and Wilson’s potential return after the international break:
“Yeah, he [Isak] won’t make the game tomorrow, but we hope he will be back after the international break.”
“We hope the same with Callum, so potentially good news around the corner with those two. They are such important players for us.”
How could Newcastle line-up against Everton?
Nothing but Newcastle predicts that Howe will make eight changes to the team that beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0 in the Carabao Cup, maintaining his classic 4-3-3 formation.
Nick Pope is likely to return to the starting eleven after being dropped for Martin Dubravka midweek.
Hi return to action in the Premier League this evening is likely to be followed up with Lewis Hall at left full-back, Kieran Trippier on the right and Dan Burn linking back up with Fabian Schar in the centre-back partnership, completing a strong defensive set up with four changes.
In midfield, we expect to see a midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, after the latter impressed with his first Premier League start of the season against Manchester City.
Joelinton could earn a one-match ban against Brighton and Hove Albion if he picks up a booking at Goodison Park, though Howe may be tempted to opt for Joe Willock or Sean Longstaff to prevent the punishment, the manager will likely take the risk given the fact that the Brazilian offers a direct and aggressive threat against Everton.
In the forward line, Anthony Gordon is likely to resume his makeshift role in the centre-forward position to make up for the absence of Wilson and Isak, with William Osula dropping to the bench.
Jacob Murphy will likely return on the right flank after a less than impressive performance from Miguel Almiron against Wimbledon mid-week, and Harvey Barnes will occupy the left wing to cover Gordon’s move inside.
With that being said, Newcastle should have enough experience and firing power in their team to take all three points from Everton this evening, however, a game under the lights at Goodison Park always brings unpredictability and will require a sharp performance from the Magpies to achieve the best outcome.