Verdict: Newcastle United win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, Newcastle will welcome Everton to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United
Starting with the hosts, extending on their Champions League adventure earlier in the week as they stormed their way to a thumping 9-3 aggregate win against Qarabag, Newcastle should be excited to turn their attention back to domestic duties here. Although Eddie Howe’s men might open this weekend’s fixtures scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the Premier League standings, they have turned an essential corner over the past few weeks. Extending on their FA Cup charge on February 14th as they secured an eye-catching 3-1 win away at Aston Villa, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad win four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Landing an thumping 4-1 victory when they travelled to Merseyside for their reverse Premier League battle on November 29th, Newcastle will be dreaming of a repeat performance on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle United Team News
In what is a huge blow for Howe’s side, the Magpies will be without skipper Bruno Guimaraes for the foreseeable future with a hamstring injury. Undergoing ankle surgery last month, Newcastle will once again be without Swiss international Fabian Schar on Saturday.
Likewise, still sidelined with a hamstring injury, ex-Chelsea youngster Valentino Livramento will not play any part at St. James’ Park. Serving a Champions League suspension on Tuesday night, former AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw should be handed a full recall here.
Everton
As for the visitors, while Everton might still open this weekend’s fixtures scrapping it out in the top-half of the Premier League table, David Moyes’ men are desperately searching for some crucial stability. Last seen earlier in the week falling to a 1-0 loss at home against Manchester United, the Blues have suffered consecutive top-flight defeats for the first time this calendar year. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to heartbreaking end on January 10th as they crashed out at the hands of Sunderland, Everton have won just a trio of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to December 6th. Likewise, falling to that 4-1 drumming when they welcomed Newcastle to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for their reverse Premier League showdowns back in November, Moyes’ side have a real battle on their hands this weekend.
Everton Team News
Suffering what looks set to be a season-ending foot injury last month, Everton will once again be without Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish. Shown a straight red card against Bournemouth on February 10th, Ireland international Jake O’Brien will once again miss out through suspension here.
Recently returning from a long-term hamstring injury, defensive talisman Jarrad Branthwaite should once again be deployed at left-back. Reportedly attracting plenty of heavyweight European interest, playmaker Iliman Ndiaye will play a leading role in the final third.
Newcastle United vs Everton Key Factors to Consider
- When Newcastle and Everton met for their reverse Premier League showdown back on November 29th, the Magpies stormed their way to a thumping 4-1 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
- Newcastle have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Everton have won just a trio of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to December 6th.
- Each of Newcastle’s last eight matchups across all fronts have finished with over 2.5 goals.
- Everton have failed to record more than a single strike in seven of their last eight meetings against Premier League opposition.
Conclusion
Storming their way to a thumping 4-1 victory when they travelled to Merseyside back in November, Newcastle will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Extending on their Champions League adventure in a clinical fashion earlier in the week, Howe’s men have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. With Everton suffering consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time this calendar year, we are backing a home victory at St. James’ Park.
Verdict: Newcastle United win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet