Everton (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

After the highs of Sunday, where we dismantled our top-four rivals in 21 glorious minutes, we must stay focused and go again at Everton; a potential banana skin if we allow our levels to drop.

Believe it or not, Everton were the last team outside the 'big six' to beat Eddie Howe's Mags (prior to that 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa) way back in March last year. It was a weird game at Goodison that night, as a 10-man Toffees pulled out a 99th minute winner against the run of play.

It's a warning of what can happen if we drop below our best and lose that clinical edge that saw us wallop Spurs 6-1 last weekend. Sean Dyche's side are struggling, failing to win any of their last five games and sitting in the relegation zone. So, while it's essential we aren't complacent and avoid a repat of our last away day, we are playing an out of form side and should head into the game brimming with confidence after Sunday's demolition job.

In his pre-match huddle a few days ago, Trippier reminded Toon teammates that "pressure is a privilege" at the top end of the table. Everton don't have that luxury as they fight to stay afloat.

Brighton can move to within four points of Newcastle if they win both of their games in hand and Liverpool will be six behind us (for the time being at least) if they beat West Ham on Wednesday night. Spurs also take on Man Utd in the late kick-off on Thursday, meaning one of our top-four rivals will be dropping points.

For now, though, it's time to focus on ourselves. After all, we won't be denied a place in the Champions League if we keep winning. Beat Everton and see of Southampton on Sunday and it really will feel like we're almost there.

Team news

Fabian Schar (hamstring) is facing a late fitness test along with a couple of other unnamed Mags, but the game will come too soon for Allan Saint-Maximin; who is back from France but not yet 100% fit following another hamstring issue.

Bruno Guimaraes has been passed fit - despite aggravating his ongoing ankle issue on Sunday - and Emil Krafth (ACL) will miss out once again.

For the hosts, Abdoulaye Doucoure is back after serving a three-game ban, while Toon target Amadou Onana is in contention to return after missing their last two games out with a groin injury.

Seamus Coleman has a chance of featuring after overcoming a hamstring issue, but Mason Holgate is suspended after seeing red in their 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.

Howe is often reluctant to alter a winning side, so I'm not expecting many changes to the 11 that scored five in 21 minutes last Sunday.

However, it sounds like the boss could be forced into one change, as he told the press on Wednesday that Fabian Schar was facing a late fitness test after limping off with a hamstring problem against Spurs.

If Dyche sticks by Calvert-Lewin and opts to throw high balls into the box, it could be a game made for Jamaal Lascelles; a player Howe often praises who has rarely let us down when he's needed to step in this season.

Without naming who, Howe did admit we have a 'couple' of other knocks, so it remains to be seen who may miss out on Merseyside. Hopefully Schar is OK and it's an unchanged side, but I don't see the Swiss being risked when this one could actually suit our skipper.

Up top, Wilson and Almiron will be knocking on the door. However, I can see Howe sticking to Sunday's team where possible and rotating on Sunday instead.

Prediction

I can see this being a pretty cagey affair, featuring two sides fighting at opposite ends of the table.

Everton tend to sit back, adopt a low-block and hit on the counter with pace, although I wonder if that will change should Calvert-Lewin return to the side.

We'll need to stand up to the atmosphere, keep our heads, deal with their physical midfield and maintain that clinical edge, but I back us to do most of those things and response to our last away day.

Isak to score past Pickford and Botman to bag his first for the club in a hard-fought win on Merseyside.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Newcastle

HWTL!