Newcastle United go head to head with Everton this weekend, but the Magpies should go into the game with no fear after seeing what the Toffees are all about this season.
Admittedly, there are a few things going against Newcastle for the upcoming game. They’re coming into the weekend on the back of a defeat to Marseille, and face an Everton side who have lost just once at home this season.
Remember when Florian Lejeune did THIS? It was pure cinema 🤣
Indeed, the Magpies’ spotty form does have them below Everton in the Premier League table right now. But, supercomputer predictions suggest Newcastle can climb the table and finish above Everton in the long run.
Eddie Howe will be keen to build on last weekend’s win over Man City and make some real progress domestically. And to be honest, the Newcastle United manager should be able to see Everton’s main weakness a mile off.
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Everton’s strikers should not be a problem for Newcastle United
This season, Everton have had real issues with their strikers. Beto has missed huge chances, while new signing Thierno Barry has been equally guilty and is still goalless this term.
Indeed, only two teams have scored fewer than Everton’s 13-goal return this season (Wolves and Leeds United). The one concern there is that Newcastle have also scored just 13, though the blame for that does not rest on the Magpies’ strikers, with Nick Woltemade in fine form.
Howe has a decision to make on Nick Pope after the Newcastle goalkeeper’s howler in midweek, but there must be a quiet confidence that he won’t be tested too much by Everton anyway.
Shockingly, Barry has only generated 1.3 xG all season, and yet he’s still underperforming. The same goes for Beto, who has an xG of 4.1, and only has one goal.
The solution to beating Everton is simple, then: keep it tight at the back, frustrate those misfiring strikers, and the Toffees will struggle.
Newcastle were able to suppress Erling Haaland last weekend. Surely they can handle Everton’s forwards.
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Three Everton players who will be an issue for Eddie Howe
Obviously, Everton are not without their threats, though. Most notably, a lot has been said about Jack Grealish’s performances this season, and his tally of four assists will have Newcastle worried; although he’s not registered one since August.
Grealish does enjoy facing Newcastle, though. He has more assists (four) against the Magpies than any other team in the Premier League.
Where should Anthony Gordon play against Everton?
Eddie Howe may have to risk upsetting the winger😬
Meanwhile, Iliman Ndiaye has looked brilliant this season and appears destined for bigger and better things eventually. Whether he plays out wide or through the middle, the Senegalese star is a real danger man, and has four goals this season.
Newcastle will also have to watch Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who scored the winner against Man United on Monday night. He looks reborn at Everton under David Moyes, and will be hungry to add to his tally.
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