Stuck in a dismal run of form, Newcastle United haven’t won a match since December 12th when they snuck past West Bromwich Albion. With five straight losses in the Premier League, the Magpies have slid down to 16th on the table, just six points clear of a relegation position. Now, they must face Everton tomorrow at Goodison Park.
Carlo Ancelotti’s is 7th on the table and they’ve had nearly the opposite of Newcastle’s form since 12/12. They’ve won five of those seven matches with one loss and one draw, midweek vs. Leicester City, The Toffees will look to add three points vs. Steve Bruce’s free-falling Newcastle side.
Player to Watch
Newcastle United: Ryan Fraser
Alongside Allan Saint-Maximin, Fraser is expected to play a major role in saving this club down the stretch. He’s battled injuries this season, but he was electric off the bench vs. Everton the first time around. If Fraser gets a chance, whether that’s as a starter or a substitute, you can expect the pacey playmaker to be a spark tomorrow for NUFC.
Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
DCL has scored 11 goals this season, but he hasn’t found the back of the net since December 5th. Newcastle previously allowed Ollie Watkins to break out of a lengthy goal slump and they will want to prevent a similar outcome for the dangerous Calvert-Lewin.
NUFC Availability Update
Steve Bruce confirmed that Federico Fernandez won’t be back vs. Everton, but Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett trained yesterday and could return. He also added that Fabian Schar was sore after the Leeds match, but that he should be ready to go.
Newcastle United will win if…
They keep the gameplan from the second half vs. Leeds United but tighten up some of the mistakes. Ideally, Bruce turns to Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser in the starting XI to play with that pace and space to start the match rather than having to wait until after halftime. If those two, who are expected to help save the season, can combine with Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson, Newcastle can get up and down the pitch vs. Everton.
But, they must avoid mental lapses on defense and make sure to be clinical when they get their opportunities at the other end.