After stealing an unlikely point from their trip to Anfield, Everton have slowly but steadily moved closer to the top half of the table and will look to continue their momentum, when they travel to the St James’ Park this week to face a Newcastle side, that is desperate for a victory. The Magpies lost to a late own goal to Leicester City at the weekend and will hope for a better outing at home in this tie.
The Toffees will believe that they can go one step better and take all three points from this tie, and extend their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions. Here is the predicted lineup Sam Allardyce might field for this tie:
Team News:
The manager has a number of star players out injured for this game, yet again. The likes of Roberto Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines, Ross Barkley, Yannick Bolasie and Maarten Stekelenburg are all ruled out for this game. However, they have no fresh injury concerns, ahead of this tie.
Expected lineup (4-1-4-1):
Defense:
Jordan Pickford had a comfortable night at Anfield and will hope for a better result on their trip to the Tyne-side. He should be shielded with a back four consisting of two youngsters in Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate, who have been trusted on the right side of the backline by Allardyce. Kenny has done an excellent job in the last few games at left back while Holgate has pushed Michael Keane out of the first team, with his consistency.
Former Swansea man Ashley Williams will add the necessary experience to the backline, partnering Holgate, like he did against Liverpool. Cuco Martin, who had a tough time against the likes of Salah, is the only option for the manager at left-back.
Midfield:
Idrissa Gueye has been effective as a one-man shield to his backline. He will start in the deepest of the midfield roles for his side against the Magpies. Aaron Lennon seems to have won the trust of Allardyce recently and could start this game on the right flank while record by Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has not repaid the faith shown in him by the club yet, will start on the left flank.
Wayne Rooney, who scored his first derby goal at Anfield, is expected to keep his place at the tip of the diamond in the midfield.
Attack:
Young Dominic Calvert-Lewin won a controversial penalty, to give his side an equalizer at Anfield. He should keep his place in the attack, alongside Oumar Niasse, who was taken off at half-time at the weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
