Newcastle United are under pressure against Everton to prove their performance last weekend was not a fluke.
The Magpies were much better than they have been against Manchester City, with Eddie Howe’s side deservedly winning a point thanks to Anthony Gordon’s penalty.
Alan Shearer was much happier with Newcastle’s performance, having criticised them for lacking intensity during the defeat to Fulham.
This was much more like it from Newcastle United, who are now preparing for a very different test.
It is all well and good being up for it at home to the Premier League champions, but what about away to Everton? Eddie Howe needs to ensure his players deliver consistently, starting on Saturday evening at Goodison Park.
Chris Sutton delivers his verdict on Everton vs Newcastle
Ahead of the Premier League tie, Paul Merson has predicted that Everton and Newcastle will draw.
That is a view that Chris Sutton shares, with the former Blackburn Rovers striker providing his prediction for BBC Sport.
“I’ve got a big coin here and I am just tossing it up,” he wrote.
“That’s how hard it is to call this one.
“Newcastle produced their best performance of the season against Manchester City last week, but can they back it up here? I am not convinced they will.
“Everton will be buoyed after getting their first win, over Crystal Palace. Iliman Ndiaye looks sharp in attack and they have Jarrad Branthwaite back fit in defence, which I think is big.
“I really don’t know what to expect, so I am going to sit firmly on the fence and go for a draw.”
Sutton’s prediction: Everton 1 Newcastle 1
Newcastle have not been convincing
It is understandable that pundits are reluctant to back Newcastle. While they were excellent against Manchester City, their other performances were largely disappointing.
But in terms of points, the Magpies are doing very well. Newcastle go into the weekend in seventh place, with 11 points on the board. They sit four points behind leaders Liverpool, and a win against Everton will allow them to continue keeping pace with the European contenders.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 5 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 13 |
| 6 |  FulhamFulham | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 11 |
| 7 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 11 |
| 8 |  TottenhamTottenham | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 10 |
Newcastle’s record away to Everton
Newcastle face an Everton team that have struggled themselves this season. They only picked up their first win last weekend, beating Crystal Palace 2-1.
Pressure has been building on Sean Dyche, especially after the Toffees squandered two-goal leads against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
They will hope the Crystal Palace win kickstarts their season, as they prepare to take on a team that they beat 3-0 at Goodison Park last season.
This could be Newcastle’s final ever visit to Goodison Park, as Everton prepare to move stadiums at the end of the season. The only way Newcastle could play there again is if the two sides are drawn against each other in the FA Cup later this season.
During the Premier League era, Newcastle’s record at Goodison Park is not great. They have only won seven times on Merseyside.
| PL games played at Goodison Park | Everton wins | Newcastle wins | Draws |
| 29 | 15 | 7 | 7 |
Saturday’s match will be the 30th and final ever Premier League game between Newcastle United and Everton at Goodison Park, and Eddie Howe will hope that his final visit to that stadium ends in victory.
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