After an impressive performance away to Chelsea, Newcastle are on the road once again to face Everton.
The Magpies head to Goodison Park for their third away game in a week, facing a Toffees side that is bang out of form.
While Newcastle have surged away from the bottom three, Frank Lampard’s side are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
This is set to be a huge game at Goodison Park, where Everton will be desperate to end their barren run. But who will Eddie Howe pick to inflict more misery on Merseyside?
Return of the back four against Everton
Newcastle went with a back five at Stamford Bridge, with Jamaal Lascelles returning to the side.
It worked brilliantly, despite Chelsea finally breaching our defence in the 89th minute. But despite its success, it would be a surprise to see Howe continue with it against Everton.
A four-man defence should return at Goodison Park, with Lascelles dropping back down to the bench.
While the captain was alright against Chelsea, he did nothing to suggest he should start over Fabian Schar or Dan Burn.
Joe Willock deemed ‘ok’ by Newcastle boss Howe
Joe Willock missed the trip to Chelsea due to illness, but is ready to return against Everton. And he should start against Frank Lampard’s side.
With Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton doubtful, there is no other candidate to join Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in the Newcastle midfield.
The latter certainly deserves another chance after an impressive performance at Stamford Bridge.
Hopefully Willock plays in a more advanced role like he did against Southampton, where he was one of our best players.
Ryan Fraser on the left, but no Allan Saint-Maximin again
Ryan Fraser started on the bench against Chelsea, but was a big miss. He’s been in brilliant form as of late, and should return to the side in place of Miguel Almiron.
One man who possibly won’t start is Allan Saint-Maximin. The 25-year-old came off the bench on Sunday but did nothing to suggest he’s fit to start.
With Howe favouring Jacob Murphy at the moment, it feels likely that he’ll go with the £12million man again and keep ASM in reserve.
Predicted XI vs Everton: Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Murphy, Willock, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Fraser; Wood.
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