Newcastle United smashed Tottenham 6-1 at the weekend to solidify their place in the Premier League’s top four. The Magpies are three points clear of fifth-place Aston Villa with seven matches to play.
Everton are at the opposite end of the standings in 18th place. Sean Dyche’s team is winless in five straight matches in the Premier League. The managerial bounce ended weeks ago, and Everton go into matchday 32 one point off safety.
🎙 Eddie Howe speaks to the press ahead of #EVENEW tomorrow:"We're going to need to be very strong, mentally and physically. We need to be robust and stand up to the challenges we may face and then show our quality." pic.twitter.com/jaLbqLlbQO— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 26, 2023
🎙 Eddie Howe speaks to the press ahead of #EVENEW tomorrow:"We're going to need to be very strong, mentally and physically. We need to be robust and stand up to the challenges we may face and then show our quality." pic.twitter.com/jaLbqLlbQO
The gap to safety isn’t too large for the time being. Therefore, Everton can still rescue their campaign. Seven teams are currently in the battle for survival. West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds, Leicester, Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Southampton are all in danger.
Newcastle claimed a 1-0 win at St James’ Park earlier this season thanks to a Miguel Almiron goal. Almiron has 11 goals and is tied with Callum Wilson for the league lead. Summer signing Alexander Isak is in fine form. He has 10 goals in just 15 league appearances.
Isak scored seven of his 10 goals in Newcastle’s last seven matches. Almiron hasn’t scored in his last two matches. He missed four of Newcastle’s last six fixtures with a thigh injury.
The Magpies took 15 points from the last 18 points on offer. The defence continues to play well, conceding just seven times. The attack manufactured 17 goals across the last six fixtures.
Everton took six points from the last six matches in the Premier League. Goalscoring continues to be a problem for the Toffees. They scored just five goals in the last six fixtures. Everton are the lowest-scoring team in the Premier League this season, with 24 goals.
Everton were held scoreless in two of their last three Premier League matches. The Toffees are a better home team than an away side. Eighteen of their 28 points have come at Goodison Park.
Dyche is without long-term absentee Andros Townsend due to a knee injury. Seamus Coleman is out with a thigh injury. Defender Mason Holgate will miss the match due to a suspension.
Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure should return following his suspension. Midfielder Amadou Onana could miss the match following a groin strain. Ruben Vinagre and Dele Alli are both ruled out with injuries.
Newcastle defender Emil Krath is out with a knee injury and won’t make the squad. Allan Saint-Maximin is once again nursing a thigh injury. He is unlikely to make the trip to Merseyside.
Fabian Schar is also a doubt following a thigh strain. Ryan Fraser is ruled out after being given the role of player-coach with the Newcastle U21 team.
Everton should continue to struggle for points against a high-flying Newcastle. The Magpies should post another win as they secure a 3-1 victory. Isak is on fire and could get a goal or two.