Chris Sutton and Mark Lawrenson are both predicting Newcastle to come out as victors when they face Everton on Thursday night, but Paul Merson believes the Toffees can earn a draw.
Newcastle’s 6-1 win flurry against Spurs will no doubt see Eddie Howe’s side confident they can come to Goodison Park and get the win they desire to continue their top four ambitions, but Everton need every point they can get in their battle at the bottom end.
Everton are amongst a list of just three teams outside the top six to beat Howe’s Newcastle, with their 1-0 win at Goodison in March last year helping them to ensure Premier League safety for this campaign.
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The blue half of Merseyside will be hoping for a repeat of that result as they find themselves in a relegation battle again this campaign. Here is what the pundits are predicting.
Chris Sutton
Sutton told the BBC: “Everton reminded me of Sean Dyche's old Burnley side when I watched them against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin came into the team and they were very direct, with balls into him and then trying to find runners off that. They were also hoping for Alex Iwobi and Demarai Grey to spark something with some individual brilliance but it didn't really happen, and you could really see why the Toffees are the lowest scorers in the Premier League this season.
“This is the last game they need after dropping into the bottom three. Everton don't carry enough of a threat and then you are left asking whether they can keep an in-form Newcastle side out.
"I don't think they can, and being at home won't make any difference, because the Magpies will frighten the life out of them.”
Prediction: 0-2
Mark Lawrenson
Lawrenson also predicted a Newcastle win, telling PaddyPower: “Newcastle to win this. They’ve had their blip and they put away a very poor Spurs side on Sunday.
“I can’t see them blowing the Champions League now. Everton didn’t look like scoring against Crystal Palace at the weekend. I know Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s back but it’s going to take him a bit of time to get up and running.”
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Newcastle
Paul Merson
Merson however, believes Everton will hold firm, telling SportsKeeda: “Everton are in real trouble at the moment. They got a result against Palace the other day, but I look at their remaining fixtures and worry for them. The only way they can save themselves is by drawing their way out - I don't see them winning a match at the moment.
“Newcastle are virtually in the Champions League now, and they might take their eyes off their campaign. They've got to make sure they don't lose too many games, and that could work in Everton's favour.
“Everton are a hard team to beat and they play a certain way. They need to get out of the bottom three as soon as possible, by either points or goal difference. They need to nick a few draws here and there, and I think they can pull it off this week.”
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Newcastle United
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