EPL Preview: Everton v. Newcastle United

Everton will put their unblemished Premier League record on the line against Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Monday.

The Toffees, coming off back-to-back league wins over Chelsea and West Ham United, are looking to go six league EPL matches without defeat for just the second time in the club’s history (2006/07).

Roberto Martinez’s side were knocked out of the League Cup by Fulham in midweek, while Newcastle advanced to Round 4 of the competition following a 2-0 home win over Championship side Leeds United.

Team News

Antolín Alcaraz (fitness/hamstring), Arouna Koné (knee), Steven Pienaar (hamstring) and Leon Osman (groin) are all expected to be sidelined for the Toffees.

Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy should replace Osman in defensive midfield, alongside Gareth Barry, for the hosts.

For Newcastle, Jonás Gutiérrez (hamstring), Massadio Haïdara (knee) and Ryan Taylor (knee) have been ruled out of Monday’s clash, while Shola Ameobi (illness) and Steven Taylor (hamstring) are doubtful.

Possible Lineups

Everton Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku.

Everton Subs: Robles, Heitinga, Oviedo, Hibbert, Stones, Deulofeu, Jelavic, Koné, Vellios, Gueye, Gibson, McAleny.

Newcastle United Starting XI (4-3-3): Krul; Debuchy, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Santon; Sissoko, Cabaye, Tiote; Rémy, Ben Arfa, Cisse.

Newcastle United Subs: Elliot, Williamson, Steven Taylor, Dummett, Gouffran, Anita, Bigirimana, Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi, Gosling, Tavernier, Good.

Manager Quotes

Martinez on Everton’s unbeaten start to the season: “It is a fantastic label to have but it is something we will have to work really hard to extend.

“It is a beautiful label to have but in September you don’t win anything.”

Pardew on the Magpies’ win over Leeds United on Wednesday: “It was an impressive display because we had control of the game all through the 90 minutes, which we didn’t have against Hull.

“I’m still smarting from that but it was great to see the reaction. It was spot on and we need to take that into Monday night now.”

Match Facts

With Roberto Martinez at the helm, Everton have averaged 59.4% possession through five league games, the highest percentage in the Premier League.

The Merseysiders are 6-3-1 in their last 10 Premier League matches against Newcastle at Goodison Park.

Leighton Baines scored two direct free-kicks against West Ham United last weekend, becoming the fifth player (Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Sebastian Larsson, Wayne Rooney) to accomplish the feat since 2006.

Baines, who opened the scoring in this fixture — which ended in a 2-2 draw — last term, is 14/1 to score first against Newcastle on Monday.

Betting Odds

Everton (4/6); Newcastle United (5/1); Draw (3/1)

Match Prediction

Everton 2 – Newcastle United 0 (7/1)