Everton vs Newcastle United analysis: Five key battles and score prediction

The pick of the action this weekend sees a fascinating clash at Goodison Park as Everton face Newcastle United in a key match at both ends of the table. 

Everton finally claimed their first league win of the campaign as they were on the right side of the comeback for once, beating Crystal Palace 2-1 last Saturday. 

The win took the Toffees out of the relegation places, and with a takeover imminent at the club, things are potentially looking up. 

Newcastle have started the season strongly with just the one defeat in the league and come into this one off the back of a draw against Manchester City at St James’ Park last weekend, despite the absence of star man Alexander Isak. 

Playing as a makeshift striker, former Everton fan favourite Anthony Gordon grabbed the equaliser for the Magpies. 

Everton got the better of Newcastle in this fixture last season, sweeping them aside 3-0 in December, whereas the return fixture at St James’ Park was a 1-1 draw as a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty cancelled out an Alexander Isak opener in April. 

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Jon Shea analyses five key battles and gives a score prediction.

Sean Dyche vs Eddie Howe

Two English coaches who have faced each other on a number occasions as this will be the 17th meeting between them. 

Sean Dyche achieved the better results last season as Everton took four points off Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe has only lost to Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola more than he has lost to Sean Dyche as he has lost half of his matches against his sides, winning four. 

Half of the wins did come as Newcastle manager, however, when the Magpies did the double over the Toffees in 2022/23.

You would expect Newcastle to have most of the ball in the match, with Everton playing a cautious match - but the fans will expect more of what they saw in the Goodison fixture last season. 

With it being a night game, under the lights you would expect a great atmosphere and it is up to either Newcastle or Everton to take it on. 

READ MORE: Sunderland vs Leeds United analysis: Five key battles and score prediction

Anthony Gordon vs Jarrad Branthwaite

Two men who came through the Everton academy together face each other as Anthony Gordon is expected to keep his place as the Newcastle number 9 in the absence of Isak.

They know each other very well, making their debuts around the same time at Everton. Gordon even assisted Branthwaite’s first goal for Everton three years ago. 

But they are up against each other again, and Gordon poses a great threat to Everton’s backline with his pace and movement. 

It is a frightening prospect for any team in the league to deal with, as it is an incredibly tough ask to keep him quiet.

Branthwaite has done it before, last season keeping Gordon’s chances from little to none. 

It would be just his second start of the season as he returned from injury last weekend but looked like it was not a problem for him and Everton looked defensively secure. 

Gordon has yet to score against his former club since his departure in January 2023, and he will certainly want to break the shackles and bag a goal at Goodison and grab his third league goal of the season.

Dwight McNeil vs Joelinton

Joelinton is a powerhouse in Eddie Howe’s midfield and has been nothing short of a revelation since the change of his position. 

He is a strong runner with and without the ball - and with his strength it is difficult to knock him off the ball. 

With Bruno Guimaraes next to him they have formed a formidable and balanced partnership there, with a bit of Brazilian brilliance.  

On the other side, Dwight McNeil has flourished in his new role this season as a number 10, registering three goals and two assists in the first six games. 

It was his brace that gave Everton their first win of the season on Saturday including a special strike for his first. 

McNeil has created the third-most big chances and made more key passes than any other player in the league. 

He has a lovely left foot with an eye for a pass - and Everton will need him to carry on his form going into this game. 

Harvey Barnes vs Ashley Young

Harvey Barnes has started the season tremendously well for Newcastle, grabbing three goals and an assist from the left flank. 

He has started five of the previous six games for Newcastle. 

His impressive form has given Eddie Howe some selection headaches on that left-hand side, with two outstanding players in Gordon and Barnes competing for the place. 

However, with Gordon expected to start up front, you would imagine Barnes will be in that left-wing position.  

He has a wand of a right foot and the ability to score special goals, like the one away at Wolves in September. 

A tough ask to deal with for 39-year-old Ashley Young, who is set to start at right-back on Saturday as Everton continue to struggle in fitness for that role. 

It is a tough ask for any full-back to stop Harvey Barnes from using that wonderful right foot but Young has bags of experience and kept Palace’s talented forwards quiet last weekend. 

He will have to be on his a-game to keep the wingers quiet on this occasion. 

Free betting tips: Goodbye ‘The Greek’, Sunderland v Leeds, Liverpool, lampposts

Fabian Schar vs Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Fabian Schar has been fantastic for Newcastle for many years and despite all the injury concerns that Newcastle seems to have had over the last couple of years, he always turns up for the Magpies. 

He is a talented defender with an aggressive style of tackling and a rocket of a shot on him. 

He is certainly a fan favourite among the St James’ faithful, always giving his best for the badge

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the forward who will be testing the Swiss international this weekend. 

Calvert-Lewin has started the season in decent form, scoring twice so far. Many thought the striker may have been on his way to St James’ Park in the summer but for whatever reason, the move did not happen. 

He has a good record against Newcastle, scoring against the Magpies more than any other opponent - and can be a handful on his day for any defender with his aggression. 

Score prediction: Everton 2-1 Newcastle United