Everton head north to face Newcastle at St. James Park in a midweek Premier League clash. The Toffees are coming off a short turnaround after a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, March 30. Last Word on Football provides you with our predicted lineup for the match on Tuesday, April 2, which kicks off at 8 pm.
Everton Predicted Lineup For Midweek Clash Against Newcastle
How Everton Have Lined Up Recently
Manager Sean Dyche shuffled the backline against The Cherries last time out. Club captain Seamus Coleman returned to the right-back position, which meant that Ben Godfrey shifted to the left side in place of Vitaliy Mykolenko.
The centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite remained, the duo starting 26 Premier League games together. Jordan Pickford has been steadfast in goals, starting all league games and earning eight clean sheets.
James Garner and Amadou Onana started in the base of the midfield with Abdoulaye Doucoure playing in the advanced midfielder role. The return of Andre Gomes has led to him rotating through these roles, predominantly as a substitution.
Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil occupied the wings. The absence of Arnaut Danjuma has meant that Ashley Young is the only other rotational piece for these positions. Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to the starting lineup after being a substitute for the previous two games. Portuguese striker Beto made way for the move but was partnered with the Englishman later in the game.
Everton Recent Form and Tactics
Everton are winless in 2024 amidst an 11-game that has seen them pick up five draws and six defeats. Unable to capitalise on periods of good play, the Toffees are the third lowest-scoring team in the league. The excellent early season defence has also faded, failing to record a clean sheet in their previous seven games.
Dyche will likely line the team up in a 4-2-3-1 that shifts towards a 4-4-2 when pressing when deep in defence. The two low blocks of four are a staple of any team managed by the former Burnley boss.
In the reverse fixture, Everton won 3-0. Their goals were created by quick and sharp attacks out wide from turnovers. They will look to exploit this again with McNeil and Harrison particularly adept at pressing in this system. The Toffees are third in tackles in their forward third, coming up against a higher-possession team
Everton Injuries to Consider
Idrissa Gueye looks to return after missing the squad last game out, Dyche confirmed he is fit in the press conference before the game against Bournemouth. Arnaut Danjuma will continue to work with the first team as he looks to return from an ankle injury he suffered in January.
Everton Predicted Line Up
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Seamus Coleman
CB: James Tarkowski
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: James Garner
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Jack Harrison
ST: Beto
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