Are Everton falling off the title pace already? After winning four straight games to kick off the season, Everton have taken just one point from six possible over the course of the last two games.
Now, the Toffees head to the northeast to face off with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Everton claimed four points from six possible against Newcastle United last season and will fancy getting all three points on Sunday.
Everton play a day after Liverpool’s game versus West Ham. The Toffees could not deal with the pressure of keeping pace with the Reds last weekend. It could be the pressure of keeping pace that sees them struggle to fight for the title.
Newcastle United have taken three points from nine possible at home. Goals have been hard to come by with just four scored in three home games. Steve Bruce’s typically strong defence has been weak, conceding eight times at St. James’ Park.
Everton have taken six points from nine possible. Last week’s loss to Southampton away was the first time they had dropped max points all campaign.
They nearly lost the week previously to Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby; however, a controversial VAR decision kept the game as a draw at the final whistle.
The Toffees’ goalscoring on the road has not been as good as at home. They have a zero-goal difference at on the road, scoring just three times and conceding three.
Bruce doesn’t have the injury issues he had previously. Just four players are on the injury list as Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle, and Martin Dubravka are all four injured and ruled out of the game.
Carlo Ancelotti has nine players on his injury list. Mason Holgate remains out of action as does Seamus Coleman. James Rodriguez is struggling with injury and played through his fitness issues last weekend. He is listed as 50% likely to play.
Meanwhile, Richarlison is still ruled out after being sent off versus Liverpool in the derby. He is joined by Lucas Digne, who was sent off last weekend versus Southampton. Full-back Jonjoe Kenny could return from injury in time for the fixture.
Everton have been excellent against Newcastle United in the league. The Toffees are unbeaten in eight of 10 straight games in the league versus Newcastle United.
They should run that figure to nine games unbeaten in 11 games. Everton should win away once more with over 2.5 goals scored. Their last three league games finished with over 2.5 goals and both teams finding the back of the net.