Everton V Newcastle Preview

With the International break finally over, we can get back to the real stuff with Everton hosting Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Monday night. Both teams had to dwell on rather poor performances prior to the international break and both clubs will be looking to make amends with 3pts. For Everton they crashed back down to Earth with a very disappointing 2-0 loss at West Brom after winning their opening two games, but will be hoping the comforts of Goodison will help them get the 3pts. For the visitors, after an impressive opening day win against Tottenham, it has gone a bit pear shaped with a couple of disappointing results at Chelsea and at home against Villa and paired with a couple of injures, hasn't been the best fortnight for the Toons. Both teams have aspirations of finishing in the top 6 so opts either way will be vital.

Everton and England International Phil Jagielka spoke of the excitement ahead of the clash on Monday saying

"We enjoy those Monday night games especially when the other teams are like Man United and Newcastle, who always bring great support. The result was great for us against United but after the disappointing result and performance against West Brom hopefully we can bounce back at home."

Toon new boy Vurnon Anita had this to say about Everton

"I saw the highlights [of Everton`s win over Manchester United] and they were very aggressive. They played very well, so we must be prepared. I know two players who play there. I played with Steven Pienaar at Ajax - he was there when I made my debut - and Johnny Heitinga, also from Ajax and the national team. They are very good players, so I know they have a good team and a very strong team. It`s a good opponent to play against and we are playing away, so we must be prepared."

The two major concerns for the home side over the international break were the fitness of key duo Steven Pienaar and Darron Gibson, who have both struggled with a thigh strain. Both missed their international fixtures during the break with Steven Pienaar look likely to feature against Newcastle, however, the news isn't as good for Darron Gibson who had to hobble off early in the 2-0 loss to West Brom. In some good news, new signing Bryan Oviedo from FC Copenhagen could make his home debut, although it would most likely be from the bench.

Possible Starting XI: Howard, Baines, Jageilka, Distin, Neville, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar, Naismith, Mirallas, Jelavic

On target for the Croatian national side whilst on International break and he will undoubtedly lead the line against Newcastle. Started the season in a solid manner netting 1 goal against Villa, however his play off the ball has been hugely impressive, his football IQ is second to none with the way he creates space for his team mates. He is the type of player every team needs, a clinical finisher with a proven track record who is a willing runner. Will be looking to add to his goal tally against Newcastle.

The Toon also struggled injury wise with a couple of key players. Both right back Danny Simpson and club captain Fabricio Coloccini are suffering with hamstring injuries and will have late fitness tests. A definite out for the Toons will be Dutch international Tim Krul who suffered an elbow injury whilst on international duty and is ruled out. Meanwhile left back Ryan Taylor is definitely out with a long term knee injury. In some good news for the visiting side, Ivory Coast international Tiote could make his return to first team action after missing the last 2 games through injury.

Possible Starting XI: Harper, Santon, Williamson, Taylor, Anita, Cabaye, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Gutierrez, Cisse, Ba

For me he is the definition of a match winner, and of course Everton fans would agree with that statement since they saw him 2 years ago score an absolute stunner of a goal in a 1-0 win for Newcastle against Everton. Often maligned for his work rate and attitude problems, his technical ability was never doubted, his ability on the ball is second to none and he has shown it on numerous occasions. Saved Newcastle against Aston Villa with another top class goal and Everton will need to keep him on a short leash on Monday night if Everton want the 3pts

1. Everton are a daunting opposition at home, in the last 6 home games there have been 20 goals scored, all by the Toffees, however, one goal was an own goal, which came in the 3-1 win over Newcastle on the last day of last season.

2. Head to Head, Moyes leads Pardew 4-2 with 1 draw.

3. Everton have had 7 penalties awarded to them against Newcastle in the Premier League, and all at Goodison Park, that is the highest rate for Everton against any other side in the division.

4. The ledger between the two sides all tie is square, both sides have won 64 times, and there has also been 34 draws.

After the disappointing result against West Brom before the International break the Everton fans will be expecting much better from the boys on Monday night, and if we can have a similar atmosphere to our home opener against Manchester United, then I cannot see us losing. Fingers crossed Darron Gibson can overcome his injury because he will be the key, with him I would say 2-1 to Everton with Jelavic and Mirallas scoring for Everton. However, as it currently stands, Gibson may miss this match and for that reason I will go for a 1-1 draw with Jelavic and Cisse scoring. COYB!!!!! ANOTHER 3PTS AT HOME IS A MUST!!!!

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