It will be a decisive final gameweek for a few Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, who must grab a win against Everton at St James’ Park to secure Champions League football. Despite accumulating the same points as Chelsea and Aston Villa, they are only ahead on goal difference. However, they could still slip to sixth from fourth on Sunday afternoon if Chelsea and Aston Villa secure victories over Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, respectively.
The Toffees are done for the season as they can’t finish above or below 13th, irrespective of this weekend’s outcome. While they scripted a resurgence since David Moyes’ return, the reverse fixture was a stalemate during Sean Dyche’s tenure. Jordan Pickford denied Anthony Gordon from the spot; however, the Englishman will have a tougher test this time around, considering the criticality of the contest from Newcastle’s viewpoint.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Newcastle United Lineup To Face Everton
Defence
Nick Pope missed a few games midway through the season due to fitness woes. But he has reclaimed his ‘number 1’ status, replacing Martin Dubravka.
Eddie Howe switched to a ‘back three’ in the past couple of fixtures to deal with injuries to Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Lewis Hall. Although Trippier and Targett are in contention for Sunday’s decider, the Magpies’ chief should stick to the same set-up with Fabian Schar and Daniel Burn being deployed on either side of Sven Botman. The Dutch centre-half could make way for Trippier if Howe shifts to a four-man backline.
Midfield
Jacob Murphy, a revelation this season, is continuing his exquisite form even as a wingback. He has scored 8 goals and laid on 12 more in the league, and it remains to be seen whether the Englishman add more to his tally while featuring from the right. Valentino Livramento must operate from the left and balance his game between attack and defence. With Joelinton ruled out for a knee injury, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali should control the show and orchestrate the tempo from the centre of the pitch. Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff could be involved as substitutes to add more strength and inject freshness in midfield.
Gordon has failed to match his standards down the wide, but is still expected to get the nod against his former employers as a left attacking midfielder. Harvey Barnes should slot in down the right and play a swift passing game and one-twos with Murphy to create space in Everton’s left-hand flank.
Attack
Newcastle United lacked the firepower upfront when Alexander Isak missed the Arsenal game with a groin strain. But the gaffer hopes to have his hitman back for the Toffees’ tie. The Swedish striking ace would replace Callum Wilson if declared fit for the starting XI.
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