Newcastle United finally return to action tonight against Everton.
It feels like a lifetime since the 1-0 away win over Leeds United. Since then, the players have had a warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia, three new faces have joined while others have departed.
After the drama of the January transfer window, attention will now turn back to the Premier League. Newcastle face an interesting Everton challenge, with Frank Lampard set for his first Premier League game in charge of the Toffees.
Eddie Howe will look to spoil the party, but which players will he pick to do just that?
Targett starts but no Burn
Ahead of the game, Howe confirmed that Dan Burn is an injury doubt with a toe problem. That could prevent him from making his Toon debut against Everton.
If that is the case, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar will once again be paired at the heart of defence.
There will be one enforced chance at the back, however. Paul Dummett hasn’t trained since he picked up an injury against Leeds. That means Matt Targett is surely in line to make his Magpies debut.
Brazilian duo join Shelvey in midfield
While Burn might be out, hopefully Howe decides Bruno Guimaraes is ready to make his first Toon appearance.
The 24-year-old should take Sean Longstaff’s place in midfield. It may seem harsh given how he played against Leeds, but we need to get Bruno in the starting XI as soon as possible.
Ahead of the game, Howe confirmed that Joelinton is ‘looking good’ going in to the Everton tie. The number seven was substituted before half time in our previous game with an injury. However, it looks like he’s over it and should be fit to start.
Pressure on Chris Wood
Following the news that Callum Wilson could be out for the season, there is increased pressure on Chris Wood’s shoulders.
He will need to carry the goalscoring burden for the rest of the season. He netted three times for Burnley in the Premier League before his £25million move to Newcastle.
A first Magpies goal underneath the lights against Everton would be perfect.
Predicted XI vs Everton: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Targett; Fraser, Shelvey, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin; Wood.
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