Newcastle United are finally back in action tonight against Everton – and BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has made his prediction ahead of the clash.
Eddie Howe is looking for another big three points at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies secured a vital victory over Leeds United before the winter break.
It is now about following that up, and standing in the way of another three points is an Everton side now under new management.
Rafa Benitez has been replaced by Frank Lampard, who is looking to get his Premier League campaign with the Toffees off to a winning start. He oversaw a victory over Brentford in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Newcastle’s squad is in a much healthier place now after the January transfer window. Five new faces came through the door, including £42 million maestro Bruno Guimaraes.
It should be a cracking game, and Lawrenson has made his prediction ahead of the clash.
The BBC pundit has stopped short of picking a winner, believing the spoils will be shared in a 1-1 draw.
He said: “Newcastle have got some new faces too, of course, and it will be interesting to see how they line up in their first game for more than a fortnight.
“Overall they did pretty good business in the transfer window, but it might take a bit of time for this Newcastle team to bed in. They need the three points more than Everton do, but I don’t think they will get them.
Tonight’s game with Everton could be a hard one for Newcastle
January was very frantic for Newcastle.
The new owners managed to get five new faces through the door. But the bulk of the business was conducted late on.
It means Bruno, Matt Targett and Dan Burn – who is a doubt for tonight – have not had much time to work with Howe and their new teammates.
As Lawrenson says, the lack of a bedding in period might make things difficult.
And Everton are starting a new chapter with Lampard, following a period that was becoming toxic.
Make no mistake about it, tonight’s game will not be easy for Newcastle.
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