Newcastle head into the game on the back of a 6-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur which has them sitting third in the Premier League table while Everton dropped to 19th following results elsewhere on Wednesday evening. The match is set to be an important one at both ends of the table as The Magpies look to move a step closer to confirming Champions League qualification while The Toffees are simply looking to stay up.
Both teams have a some injury doubts heading into the match with Fabian Schar a concern for Newcastle after limping off in the win over Spurs with a suspected hamstring issue. He could sit out tonight’s match while Everton also have a few players facing late fitness tests in Amadou Onana and Seamus Coleman.
Sean Dyche ruled Andros Townsend out of the match against his former club as he recovers from a knee injury.
Mason Holgate was sent off in Everton’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace and will miss the game against Newcastle as a result. But Everton will be boosted by the return of Abdoulaye Doucoure following his three-match ban for a red card against Tottenham.
Meanwhile Allan Saint-Maximin has been ruled out of the match by Magpies head coach Eddie Howe.
Here’s the current doubts and outs heading into Thursday’s crucial Premier League encounter...
5. Everton: Abdoulaye Doucoure - available
Doucoure is back available following a red card suspension. | Getty Images
6. Everton: Amadou Onana - doubt
The Toffees’ midfielder is a doubt for the match with a groin injury. He could be subject to a late fitness test ahead of the match. | Getty Images Photo:
7. Everton: Seamus Coleman - doubt
Coleman is closing in on a return from a thigh injury with Dyche saying a late call will be made on the full-back. | Getty Images
8. Everton: Andros Townsend - out
The former Newcastle winger is set to miss the game following a serious knee injury. Sean Dyche ruled him out of the match in his pre-match press conference. | Getty Images