Everton vs Newcastle Predictions

• Newcastle lost 11 of 19 away trips last season
• The Magpies have been at their best in games where they’ve been able to play on the backfoot
• Everton have claimed four points from their last two games and they’ve improved defensively

Everton making progress

Everton looked to be at their lowest ebb following their four consecutive defeats to start the season. To make matters worse, they threw away 2-0 wins in back-to-back matches. However, they built on their impressive starts in those matches to take four points from their last two matches.

Last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace could be a turning point for Sean Dyche’s side. Once they hit their stride last season the Toffees went on strong runs which ultimately pulled them clear of danger. Their first win last term brought a run of eight victories in 12 games, while they won five matches in seven outings across April and May to stave off relegation.

Tricky test for visitors

Newcastle also had a positive result last weekend, holding Man City to a 1-1 draw in a game where they edged the Expected Goals battle. However, that good display is similar to their win over Tottenham – two games where they could surrender possession and rely on a strong foundation to pull through.

Newcastle’s best Expected Goals tallies in the Premier League this term have come against City and Spurs – games in which they’ve had less than 40% of the ball. Those two sides made fewer openings against the Magpies than both Fulham and Bournemouth – teams which allowed Newcastle to have 61% of possession.

Everton have the league’s lowest average possession and they’ll be happy to let Newcastle try and force the issue.

Toffees to edge it

This game doesn’t really suit Newcastle’s approach and this is a side that struggles on the road. The Magpies were beaten at Fulham in their last trip and they suffered 11 defeats in 19 trips last term.

Everton have improved defensively over their last couple of games and that should help them frustrate a Newcastle side that struggles to carve open deeper defences. Meanwhile, Dwight McNeil can help them take opportunities on the break, having scored twice against Crystal Palace.

McNeil has netted in two of the last three meetings between these sides and he’s stepped up his shooting output in the last couple of games. The winger is quickly becoming a key figure having scored four goals this term, so back him to find the net against Newcastle once again.