Mixed feelings among Everton fans ahead of Newcastle United clash

Everton are league leaders through six weeks, but their fans are not so confident for Sunday’s game against Newcastle United.

Newcastle United stole a point against Wolverhampton on the road last weekend thanks to the individual brilliance of Jacob Murphy in the 89th minute. This time around Newcastle United will need multiple key players to be at their best if they want to take three points off of Everton.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side claim the top spot in the Premier League standings, but their 2-0 defeat to Southampton last time out has rattled their confidence. On paper, Everton boast more quality, and FiveThirtyEight’s computer prediction says they will bounce back against the Magpies.

That being said, how do Everton fans feel about this game after being stunned with their team’s performance against the Saints? According to their comments, which are quoted below, from the GrandOldTeam forum, fans are split ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Thoughts from Everton Fans

“There are an awful lot of very good teams in the league this year – but Newcastle certainly aren’t one.”

“Against Newcastle I have no faith in the wide players or Kenny, so I would go with a 352 and keep it tight and win 0-1/0-2.”

“Pickford starts we’re 2 nil down before a ball is kicked.”

“Another tough game this. Test of character from the team now and again will need to dig deep.”

“Can see another loss here.”

“Hopefully today [last Sunday] was a wake up call. 2-0 the tricky blues.”

“St Maximin will have a field day against Ben and Niels. Just not solid enough in defence.”

“Losing 2 on the bounce would undo all the good work we’ve done. Newcastle 1-2 Everton.”

Newcastle Toons Verdict

This will be another tough game for Newcastle United, and as much as fans want to see attacking football, Steve Bruce will most likely be cautious once again. If that is the case, then Everton will find ways to score multiple goals on a Newcastle United side that invites the attack in their own half.

What Bruce needs to realize, though, is that Everton will be without Richarlison and Lucas Digne due to suspensions. Notable summer signing James Rodriguez might also be sidelined after playing through a groin injury against Southampton.

That should spark some fireworks in Bruce’s tactical playbook – if one exists – to unleash the quartet of Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and Ryan Fraser.

If the Toon try to play Everton head on for a good portion of the game, then they stand a decent chance, otherwise it will be a long afternoon for the men in stripes.