Everton – Newcastle : Preview & Prediction
Despite being a man down late on, a determined Everton drew 0-0 against a fired-up Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, extending their record to just two defeats in seven Premier League (PL) appearances. Even so, four draws in that span contributed to the Toffees slipping back into the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of this midweek fixture.
Manager Sean Dyche described Saturday’s result as “a point gained” and knows how important it will be to follow that up with a win in this fixture, but to do so they will need to overcome the psychological factor of having won just once in their last six PL meetings with Newcastle United. However, that win came when they hosted them last season and began a crucial run of four games without defeat at their home stadium in PL action (G3, E1) during a period that would eventually help the Blues avoid relegation, a feat Dyche will be hoping to repeat.
It’s fair to say that Newcastle are a different team this season and they emphatically showed it over the weekend by scoring five goals in 21 minutes during a 6-1 humiliation of Tottenham. Only Manchester City have scored five PL goals quicker in a game (against Watford in 2019) and, overall, the Magpies have now scored a total of 54 league goals, their most since 2002/03 (also 54), which was a season in which they finished third.
With plenty of distance from fifth place, Newcastle fans have every reason to dream of Champions League nights returning to St James Park and another win would put them that much closer to that goal. However, Goodison Park has not been a happy place for the Magpies, who have won on just one of their last ten visits (E3, P6) – a run that includes last season’s defeat which also occurred on a Thursday night.
Players to watch: After missing ten games, Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to Everton’s starting XI at Selhurst Park and records six contributions on goal (five goals, one assist) in his last seven games against Newcastle. Callum Wilson was on target for his opponents at the weekend and the Newcastle striker also loves this fixture, scoring six goals in his last five PL clashes between the two clubs.
Key stat: Dyche has won six of his nine games in charge in the PL against Newcastle manager Eddie Howe (P3) – his most against a single manager in the competition.
Everton – Newcastle : Betting Tips
Newcastle – Win Odds: 1.75
