Frank Lampard could hand Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek their Everton debuts against Newcastle United tonight.
The Magpies weren’t the only club that was busy on deadline day, with Everton acting late following the appointment of Lampard.
His new arrivals couldn’t play on Saturday in the FA Cup due to being cup-tied, but they are available to feature at St James’ Park tonight. Ahead of the game, Lampard confirmed that the duo will be in the squad.
It’s set to be a huge game underneath the lights, as Newcastle’s quest to avoid relegation continues. A win could lift Eddie Howe’s side out of the bottom three, while it would also drag Everton into danger.
We could also see Toon debuts for Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn. But will it be the Everton debutants who steal the show? If so, it could leave PIF with egg on their face…
Newcastle wanted Alli and Van de Beek in January
Newcastle were linked with a ridiculous number of players in January, and two of them ended up at Goodison Park on deadline day.
According to the Telegraph, the Magpies tried and failed to sign Van de Beek on loan, with the Dutchman not interested due to Newcastle’s position in the table.
Meanwhile, Alli was cited as an alternative to Jesse Lingard. The Athletic claimed on deadline day that Newcastle made a bid to hijack his move to Everton, but by then it was too late.
Now two players who Newcastle wanted could make their debuts against the Magpies…under a manager who was also linked with a move to St James’ Park after Steve Bruce departed.
If the pair steal the show and inflict defeat on Newcastle, it could leave the Toon owners looking rather embarrassed.
Van de Beek wasn’t keen, and a move for Alli came too late in the day. If they show Newcastle what they could’ve won tonight, it will be a bitter pill to swallow for PIF. And, more importantly, another blow to our survival hopes.
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