The final hurdle stands tall at St James’ Park. Newcastle United’s fate in the Champions League race will be sealed on Sunday afternoon, and there is no margin for error.
The equation is simple: beat Everton, and Eddie Howe’s men will be playing among Europe’s elite next season. Anything less, and the entire campaign could unravel at the last.
No one expected a five-way battle for Champions League qualification on the final day. Yet, here we are. Manchester City look safe.
Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are locked on points—and only three can make it. Last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal left Newcastle vulnerable.
Chelsea face Forest, meaning one of them will leapfrog the Magpies if Howe’s side fail to win. Should Villa avoid defeat at Old Trafford and Newcastle drop points, the top five would vanish in an instant.
That is why St James’ Park must roar. Newcastle are in the driving seat, and history is on their side. Six straight Premier League home wins.
READ MORE: Newcastle predicted lineup vs Everton
Eight wins from the last 10 final-day fixtures. But memories of 2012 linger—when a Champions League dream died at Everton. This time, Everton come to Tyneside. The tables have turned.
Newcastle vs Everton: Team news
Alexander Isak missed the Arsenal clash due to muscle stiffness, but all signs point to a return for this decisive encounter. The Swede has been Newcastle’s talisman all season, and his inclusion would be a major boost.
If Isak is not risked, Callum Wilson will lead the line. Despite going the full league season without a goal so far, his record against Everton—eight goals in 10 appearances—is as good a reason as any to trust him.
Jacob Murphy is expected to keep his place at right wing-back, with Kieran Trippier still a doubt due to a calf strain. Murphy has enjoyed his best creative season yet, with 12 assists, and his delivery from wide areas could be crucial again.
Tino Livramento will continue on the left in the absence of Matt Targett and Lewis Hall, with Sven Botman returning to marshal the back three alongside Fabian Schär and Dan Burn.
In midfield, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães will be tasked with dictating play in the absence of Joelinton. Their control and composure could prove the difference in a nervy atmosphere.
Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes should flank the central striker in attack. Gordon will have a point to prove against his former club, and Barnes has scored in two of his last three starts.
Predicted lineups
Predicted Newcastle starting XI vs Everton: Pope; Schar, Botman, Burn; Murphy, Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Livramento; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
Predicted Everton starting XI vs Newcastle: Joao Virginia; Young, O'Brien, Keane, Mykolenko; Alcaraz, Gueye, Garner, McNeil, Ndiaye; Beto.
Newcastle vs Everton prediction
St James’ Park will be a cauldron on Sunday. Newcastle vs Everton will be an entertaining game. Newcastle have momentum, motivation and the home crowd behind them. With a full-strength attack, Howe’s side should have too much for a patched-up Everton defence.
Everton will fight, but with nothing on the line, they may struggle to match Newcastle’s urgency.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Everton