Preview: Newcastle look to maintain good form at home vs. Everton

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Andy Carroll of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on December 21, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Andy Carroll of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on December 21, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Newcastle United will look to bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat against Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton at St. James’ Park tomorrow.

Newcastle United are still in the top ten after losing 4-1 at Old Trafford yesterday, but a loss against Everton would see the Toon fall back into the bottom half of the table. Everton are in good spirits after extending their unbeaten streak to four games, but can they hand Newcastle United their first home loss since opening day?

Where They Stand

  • Newcastle United: 10th, 25 points
  • Everton: 13th, 22 points

Analysis

Newcastle United will enter this game with a heavy 4-1 defeat on the back of their minds. The club announced on social media that tomorrow’s game will be the first sold out game of the season at St. James’ Park, and Steve Bruce will be hoping his players are motivated at the sight of a full stadium.

Carlo Ancelotti is off to a winning start with his new club after Everton defeated Burnley 1-0 yesterday. Ancelotti’s side will be put to the test tomorrow in a stadium that has been transformed into a fortress for the Magpies.

More from Newcastle Toons

Newcastle United are expected to turn to their strongest lineup tomorrow with the hopes of taking all three points. Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden should provide more strength and creativity in the middle of the park. Dwight Gayle will most likely hit the bench and make way for Andy Carroll up top.

Bruce has some thinking to do regarding his defensive approach, though. The back-line are usually stubborn and and organized, but they were easily torn apart yesterday and committed too many unforced errors that led to goals. Everton have only scored 21 goals this season, but they are capable of turning on the switch and scoring multiple times in a game, as they did against Chelsea recently. Both teams are capable of winning tomorrow, but it will all come down to collective urgency.

Predictions

Can Bruce bring the best out of his players in such a short time frame? Carson doesn’t think he can, but I think the Toon will at least grab a point on Tyneside. See our predictions below:

Carson A. Merk: Newcastle United 1-2 Everton

Durim Halimi: Newcastle United 1-1 Everton