Everton will clash heads with Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a win on their home turf. The Toffees will be heading into the contest on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, whereas the Magpies recorded a similar 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.
Eddie Howe will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with several tweaks from the last game. In defence, Emil Krafth might get the nod over Javier Manquillo, whereas Ryan Fraser looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup Vs Everton
Defence
Martin Dubravka will continue to operate in between the sticks for the visitors. The Slovak shot-stopper would hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Thursday.
Eddie Howe is expected to field the defensive duo of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the heart of the Magpies’ backline. Their main objective would be to track and close down the potential openings the Everton front-men might create.
Emil Krafth is a guaranteed starter at the right wing-back spot, whereas Matt Targett will fill in on the other flank as the left wing-back.
Midfield
Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey are expected to start in the central midfield positions, whereas Bruno Guimaraes will slot in as the defensive midfielder. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal-scoring chances for the front men.
Matt Ritchie will have to settle for a place on the bench but could come on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy will take up the wide positions, playing down the right and left-wing, respectively.
Chris Wood will lead the line for the visitors against Everton in midweek. The striker will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet when he faces off against the defence that has conceded nine goals in their last five matches across all competitions.