With the FA Cup weekend finished, Newcastle return to action this Sunday against European go-getters Everton, who seem to be suffering from the same Europa League fatigue Newcastle did during their campaign a couple of years ago.
This will be Newcastle’s first trip on the road since their humiliating 5-0 loss across the M62 at The Etihad Stadium, East Manchester. Coincidentally, it’s also their first game since Mehdi Abeid’s moment of madness fumble gifted Manchester United a freak goal & 3 points at St. James’ Park a week & a half ago.
Aside from that freak goal, Newcastle looked much like the mid-table team they are. Reasonably comfortable defensively without going all out with a killing edge in attack. 11th place suits them currently.
Everton meanwhile come back off a win at home against Dynamo Kyiv, with Belgian Romelu Lukaku back amongst the goals for the Toffees. However, many Evertonians have been calling for Roberto Martinez to be sacked given their poor league form with only 1 win in their last 6 games & 6 points above the drop zone.
Many fans fear their run in Europe may come at the cost of relegation, but given the lack of quality of the sides beneath them as well talents such as Lukaku, Barkley, Mirallas & Coleman on their books, it’s difficult to see them go down this season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if much like Newcastle, they gracefully got knocked out in the quarter finals then finished 16th in the league.
The reverse fixture in December finished 3-2, with returning Jack Colback & suspended Papiss Cisse amongst the goal scorers. This fixture also proved to be Alan Pardew’s final game in charge at Newcastle, following his departure to Crystal Palace.
Team news:
Newcastle
Newcastle welcome back both Remy Cabella & Rob Elliot from injury, as well as Jack Colback from his 2 match suspension for 10 yellow cards.
Papiss Cisse begins his 7 match ban following his spitting incident with Jonny Evans.
Massadio Haidara is still suffering from knee problems, so it looks like boyhood Liverpool fan Ryan Taylor will deputise at LB once again.
Everton
John Stones looks set to return after a stomach bug, whilst Leighton Baines will be given a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s clash having missed the Europa League tie midweek.
This game will come too soon for Aiden McGeady, Brian Oviedo & Steven Pienaar though, with Martinez ruling them all out through injury. Gareth Barry starts a 2 match suspension.
Clash to watch: Barkley v Colback
It’ll be an interesting clash to see two very different English central midfielders come up against each other this Sunday. With England qualifiers coming up, both will want to give Roy Hodgson reason to show they’re worthy of making the future England XI leading up to France 2016 (should England qualify).
With Barkley’s determined, attacking drive coming up against Colback’s defensive resilience, expect this midfield battle to get feisty.
