Newcastle United had picked up 10 points from a possible 12 before they took on West Ham United. Rafael Benitez and his men would have gone in that game with confidence, but they were humbled on the day as the London club ran out 3-0 winners. Next, they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton who are coming on the back of a gut-wrenching defeat in the Merseyside derby.
Travelling to Goodison is never an easy task but the manner of defeat against Liverpool might linger on the mind of the Everton players, and Newcastle United can probably take advantage of that in this midweek clash. However, given the quality of football both the sides have produced so far, the home team should go in as the favourites.
Team News
Matt Ritchie will serve his one-match suspension as he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against the Hammers. Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey were back from their injuries but were only fit enough to make an appearance from the bench in the last game. Yoshinori Muto also seems to be closing in on full fitness. Backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow is still not hundred per cent after his elbow injury.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Everton
Formation (4-4-1-1)
Defence
Summer signing Martin Dubravka should start in goal. Jamaal Lascelles came off the bench in the weekend, and we feel he might now be ready to take on a full-fledged game in the Premier League. The English defender should be back and is likely to be partnered by Fabian Schar who has impressed since his move to England.
Down the left side of the defence, Paul Dummett is a nailed on starter. DeAndre Yedlin will reprise his usual right-back role.
Midfield
Similar to Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey also saw some minutes coming off the bench, and he should be back in midfield. He will have the onus of opening up the defence and starting counter attacks as well as helping his side maintain the shape and keep things tight in midfield. Shelvey is set to be partnered by the workhorse Mohamed Diame. Down the right, Benitez would have to make a forced change as Ritchie is unavailable. Young Jacob Murphy should start, and his lively and energetic nature should trouble the Toffees defence. Chelsea loanee Kenedy is likely to start from the left.
Attack
Ayoze Perez will play in his usual secondary striker role just behind the target man Salomon Rondon. Benitez would hope that the two can combine well and give them a breakthrough to hang on to in the game.
