Plenty of changes since crunch clash was re-scheduled
Newcastle United host Everton in the Premier League tonight with both sides likely to look significantly different to how they would have done if the match was played when it was originally scheduled.
The fixture was due to take place on 30th December but was postponed due to a Covid outbreak in the Newcastle squad. Since then both teams have made significant changes as they look to try and address what was a very disappointing first half of the season.
For Newcastle, five new players have joined during the January transfer window and they could all be involved this evening. Full-back Kieran Trippier and striker Chris Wood have already featured in front of the St James’ Park faithful and are expected to be in the team to face the Toffees.
Left-back Matt Targett is in contention to make his Magpies debut following his recent move from Aston Villa and Bruno Guimaraes could feature in midfield following his big-money move from Lyon. Towering defender Dan Burn may also have a chance of making his first appearance for his boyhood team but manager Eddie Howe has reported that the former Brighton man is doubtful due to a toe injury.
Everton will also look very different to how they would have done back in December. The main change for the Toffees has come in the dugout where former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has left the club and has recently been replaced by Frank Lampard. The former Chelsea boss got off to a good start at the weekend with a convincing win against Brentford in the FA Cup and they also have a few new faces who may make their debut’s tonight.
Anwar El Ghazi will provide a different attacking option following his move from Aston Villa, Manchester United midfielder Donny Van De Beek has joined Everton on loan and former Spurs midfielder Dele Alli could come into the midfield to make his first appearance for the Merseyside club too. Pivotal striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in contention to feature but the visitors will be without Fabian Delph, Ben Godfrey, Tom Davies and Abdoulaye Doucoure due to injury.
Newcastle could move out of the bottom three tonight if they can win and results elsewhere go in their favour and Everton are only four points ahead of the Magpies, though they have played one game less.