Fresh off a 2-1 victory at Goodison Park against Crystal Palace here we are preparing for a trip back to Goodison again, this time against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United. After a very poor start to the season Everton will be looking to make it 2 wins in 2 to attempt to shake off the poor start and try and change the mindset of the season from a relegation battle to a stress free promising season of progress.
Newcastle come to Goodison after a 1-0 win against EFL League Two Side, Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup 3rd Round. Newcastle were running with a squad that was rotated for the majority with the likes of William Osula, Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron all starting while the bench consisted of regulars Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn who all got subbed on, a result which has been described by Newcastle fans as a “Safe 1-0 win”. In their previous Premier League match, Newcastle drew 1-1 with Manchester City at St James Park, former blue Anthony Gordon on the scoresheet for Newcastle. Overall a good point for Newcastle when coming up against the machine that is Manchester City
With Newcastle coming to Goodison it can only mean one thing, a night game at Goodison. Some things in football seem like an ever present; facing Liverpool in December, Nottingham Forest signing 8 ne players every transfer window and every home game against Newcastle United is a night game. This will likely be the last vist from Newcastle United to Goodison Park, a match which always seems to be filled with drama. Last season Everton defeated Newcastle 3-0 thanks to goals from McNeil, Doucoure and Beto, the season before Newcastle humilated us in a 4-1 defeat where Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane got destroyed by Alexander Isak and then of course we have the Just Stop Oil match where a protestor infamously cabletied himself to the Gwladys Street goal post much to the surprise of Asmir Begovic. Thankfully the added time put on because of the protest of course meant we all got to see Alex Iwobi win the game at the death.
Injury News
Everton possibly look like they will be without Jarrad Brantwahite who apparently has suffered a minor quad injury in training, a MASSIVE blow for Everton. This meaning that Michael Keane or Jake O’Brien will step in for Branthwaite……………………………………… yes it will be Keane. I know that, you know that but let’s hope O’Brien gets the nod. Other than that Patterson could likely feature on the bench while Seamus Coleman, Chermiti and Broja are some way off still. Broja is however in light training which is good news.
Newcastle look set to be without star striker Alexander Isak which will be a big blow for them but us Evertonians will be delighted to hear. Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Fabien Schar were all doubts but have been given the green light by Eddie Howe
Line Up
It will likely be very similar to the team that seen us beat Crystal Palace bar two changes to the side. With the supposed injury to Jarrad Branthwaite Michael Keane will likely return to the side and every Evertonian will hope that the good form and confidence from last game that James Tarkowski showed next to Branthwaite will rub off onto Michael Keane for a strong performance. Maybe I am being too harsh on Keane who in fairness his previous two games he was relatively strong and impressive, we just all know the moments of madness that can happen.
The other change I think we will see will be Jesper Lindstrom being dropped for Jack Harrison. Lindstrom was struggling against Palace and the Danish Winger throwing his arms up in the air when thing wouldn’t go his way did not impress Dyche or the Everton fanbase, it is still early days for Lindstrom and he has showed some promising signs. Jack Harrison being subbed on at Half Time was a game changer and the correct decision from Dyche, not 10 minutes had gone in the second half and Harrison already showed more than Lindstrom and got an assist for McNeil’s winner.
Key Player – Everton
With his very impressive form it is very easy to say that Dwight McNeil will be Everton’s key player this match. With 3 goals and 1 assist throughout September in the League, Dwight has been Everton’s best performer so far this season producing great stats not only for goals and assists but his chance creation also. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will play a big part in this match also with long balls being blasted up the pitchm DCL will have to use his strength to win and keep the ball or flick it on for McNeil to run onto from that number 10 position.
Key Player – Newcastle United
It’s Gordon. Of course it is Anthony Gordon. Without question he will get a frosty reception from Goodison on Saturday night and we will need to work hard to try and keep him quiet. Gordon will likely be playing as Striker for Newcastle with Isak missing, similar to how he did in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City. Michael Keane and James Tarkowski will need to be on top form. It’s an easy win for any player if they go through Gordon within the first few minutes to get fans on their feet in Goodison.
Score Predicition
Everton 2-1 Newcastle United – I am probably being very over confident here but I think DCL and McNeil win this one for Everton. As per the usual circumstance for Everton at the moment I think our defending at set pieces will come into question and we will concede. Here is hoping the Goodison atmopshere can lift the players and get them over the line to secure another 3 points
UTFT!
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