Following on just 3 days from Everton’s dominant 3-1 victory over the Magpies at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the 4th round of the Carabao Cup, the two sides will meet again, this time in the 9th matchweek of the 26/27 Premier League season at St James’ Park.
It was a thoroughly entertaining night on Thursday for the Toffees as David Moyes’ side dismantled Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle, much to the delight of the blues fans, who saw their side enter the Carabao Cup quarter finals, facing Fleetwood Town at Highbury. It was a largely unexpected win for Everton, specifically one that convincing. James Garner opened the scoring in the night in the 34th minute, as his cross goal shot flew past Hornicek in the Newcastle net, with the Englishman managing to notch his first goal of the campaign. Special shoutout to Tyrique George in the buildup to that goal too, just the workrate we want to see from an Everton player. Hackney claimed the assist for Garner’s goal and, just 11 minutes later, thumped home a delightful volley in front of the South Stand to open his Everton account, hopefully the first of many! Thierno Barry continued his fine start to the season, making it 3-0 in the 69th minute, grabbing his 9th goal contribution of the season, as well as making it 4 goals in 3 Carabao Cup games. Who knows when he’ll run out of dance moves? Plaudits go to the new look Everton midfield of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Hayden Hackney and James Garner who seemed to compliment each other exceptionally well, with them all contributing to at least one goal each. It does bode the question as to whether Armstrong will see his minutes reduced in the coming games, but not a terrible problem for us to have I suppose. What may be a slight problem however, is the absence of Jack Grealish. The on loan Manchester City winger was not involved in the matchday squad, following an in club suspension after he allegedly took an unauthorised trip to the Cotswolds, failing to report to training. David Moyes has stated that it was a club decision, with no reports as to whether Jack will be back in the squad at St James’ on Monday.
Looking at Monday’s opponents, Matthias Jassle’s start to life in the North East has been somewhat of a mixed bag. Encouraging signs in the opening few weeks of the season as the Magpies drew to Liverpool, beat Spurs and Hull whilst drawing to Bournemouth. However, large 4-1 defeats at the hands of Leeds and Coventry, followed by a 1-0 defeat to Villa and last Thursday’s cup bruising at the Hill Dickinson, eyebrows are definitely beginning to be raised at the German coach, and whether he was the correct successor to Eddie Howe.
TEAM NEWS:
David Moyes has confirmed that Jarrad Branthwaite ‘should be’ fit for the game on Monday night.
Vitaly Mykolenko played 86 minutes against Newcastle, following his return from injury.
Christian Norgaard came on as a substitute in the 86th minute as he also looks to build sharpness.
David Moyes has ‘refused to comment’ on whether Grealish will be a part of his travelling squad.
Newcastle will be without Tino Livramento and Ewan Jaouen, whilst William Osula is also rumoured to be unfit, following a twisted ankle against Everton.
Lewis Miley and Mathias Fernandez Pardo may also miss out, through a muscle injury and illness respectively.
ONE TO WATCH (EVERTON):
Following a really impressive display from the whole starting XI on Thursday, it is difficult to narrow down one player I’d choose for you to keep a close eye on for the blues, however following his first goal for the club, and an impressive all round performance, Hayden Hackney is my player to watch for this week. (Until Moyes inevitably doesn’t play him).
ONE TO WATCH (NEWCASTLE):
Newcastle were particularly poor against Everton however, I’m gonna go for a man who actually didn’t feature for the toon that evening and say that Newcastle’s defence could be in for a tricky game, coming up against a potential front 3 of Barry, George and Dibling once again. If they do manage to keep them out, I think it will be largely down to the performance of Malick Thiaw. His pace and strength could prove decisive in key moments for Newcastle, and coming up against Barry, we could be in for a good battle on Tyneside.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Everton are definitely in for a much tougher fixture this time around, largely down to Newcastle’s home advantage, as well as the fact that they should have that bit between their teeth, looking to settle the score from last week. Newcastle are seriously looking to prevent their season derailing further, and will see this game as an opportunity to get back on track. With Jarrad Branthwaite presumably back for the blues, and Newcastle’s striker troubles I don’t think we’ll be in for another 4 goal affair. Everton will be looking to get 3 points on the board for the first time since the 19th September, so this game is equally as important for us, as we look to qualify for European Football this season. Expect a close game, with not much in it. My final prediction is Newcastle 1-2 Everton. Harvey Barnes to open the scoring in the 48th minute, with Barry scoring in the 56th and Tyler Dibling to score his first goal for the blues in the 77th. Hackney to assist both, optimism? Never heard of her. Enjoy the game blues, UTFT!!!
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