Newcastle United once again face Everton after the 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat on Thursday, this time in the Premier League at St James’ Park.
Matthias Jaissle will be hoping to bounce back with a big win on home soil that could see the Magpies jump up to 7th in the table, but what will his XI be for the game?
Take a look at our predicted lineup below.
GK: Lukas Hornicek
It was difficult to criticise Hornicek midweek given how clear cut all of Everton’s chances were, he’s not superman.
The one absolute certainty for Jaissle’s side on Monday night is that the Czech won’t lose his spot; he has no doubt been one of the Magpies top performers this season so far.
RB: Amar Dedic
Dedic had his first absolute rotter in black and white on Thursday and didn’t cover himself in glory for either of Everton’s first half goals.
The Bosnian should still see a rather straightforward path to a starting spot once again on Monday, especially with Livramento and Lewis Miley both still out injured.
CB: Fabian Schar
Despite neither of our experienced centre-backs having their greatest game in the Carabao Cup tie, there doesn’t seem to be any real reason to change the pairing back to Botman and Thiaw.
We do need to start seeing a bit more of that calm and composure that they are supposed to be bringing, though. Especially given the sheer amount of individual errors being made across the pitch at the minute.
CB: Dan Burn
Covered him and Schar in the same section above, just a little bit more solidity would be lovely.
LB: Lewis Hall
Thursday’s performance felt a little bit lazy and uncertain by Hall for the first time this season, but there is literally no other option than to start him again here, not that it would be used even if there was.
CM: Nico Gonzalez
While Gonzalez has been absolved of blame at various points this season, I felt like Everton was probably the first time he didn’t really deserve to be protected - although I still admit he wasn’t really helped out by his midfield partner.
Just get the Spaniard on the ball and bodies around him defensively, that is literally all we need to do.
CM: Joelinton
I expect Jaissle to return to Joelinton in midfield on Monday, for better or for worse.
Best case scenario he forgoes his ‘Nico or Steur’ complex and plays them both, but opting for the extra fight that Joelinton will bring probably makes sense.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Jacob Ramsey start again either, but he will likely drop to the bench, unless the German deploys him in the 10 (it would be lovely if he did).
RW: Anthony Elanga
Jacob Murphy graced us with yet another abject performance from the first whilstle on Thursday and was ultimately replaced at half time by Elanga.
That was likely a sign of things to come and if Elanga is fit enough to start I don’t see a world where he doesn’t get the nod.
This could, of course, also be Fernandez-Pardo, but he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth so that feels like a stretch for Monday night.
CAM: Joe Willock
Willock is probably one of the few who could come out of the Carabao Cup fixture with his head held high, mainly because he was involved in almost everything the Magpies did going forwards, including an assist for the goal.
Whilst I wouldn’t mind seeing Ramsey brought in here either, it would be harsh for Jaissle to drop Willock and he’ll probably continue in a starting role.
LW: Harvey Barnes
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Barnes miss more chances than he did on Thursday, it was a performance very much different from what we are used to in terms of his efficiency.
Even still, at St James’ Park, it would feel silly to drop him given that goalscoring ability, especially in a game Jaissle will be desperate to win.
ST: Yoane Wissa
We aren’t actually certain that Osula will be injured, but it doesn’t feel promising given Jaissle’s comments.
That means we will probably be subjected to 90 minutes of Yoane Wissa… god help us all.
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