Key events
Mary Waltz emails: “Greetings Will. Now that we are out of the relegation position I have decided to abandon my normal pessimism and dream of the coming sunlit uplands. New owner, new stadium coming, sure we are only a point out of the dumpster and injuries have taken out our promising youngster for today’s tussle with Newcastle I am going embrace a positive attitude (or denial if you want to get all technical about it.) “
Anthony Gordon is back at Goodison Park.
It is a blow that Branthwaite is missing once more after recently returning from injury. The Everton defence is miles better with him next to Tarkowski.
Pre-match reading.
Isak is missing again for Newcastle, leaving Gordon to lead the line. He will quite fancy upsetting his former employers, I am sure.
Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Garner, Keane, Tarkowski, Young; Mangala, Doucoure; Harrison, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Subs: Virginia, Begovic, Beto, O’Brien, Gueye, Lindstrom, Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Dixon
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes
Subs: Odysseas, Ruddy, Krafth, Osula, Livramento, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff
Preamble
There is some positivity back at Goodison Park after securing their first Premier League win over the season last time out. Furthermore, the end of their takeover saga is in sight. Sean Dyche is still not particularly popular with the Everton fanbase but is key strength is putting a run of results together and a second victory will give him a boost.
Newcastle have had a funny season of not playing particularly well but picking up results. Last weekend’s draw against Manchester City was well-earned point and they certainly have the firepower to cause teams problems and they will fancy their chances on Merseyside. A win would put them into the top four for 24 hours, which is a big incentive.
Let’s hope for a cracker.
Kick-off: 5.3opm BST