When Newcastle face Everton on Sunday the Magpies will be welcoming the current Premier League leaders to St James’ Park.
The Toffees have enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, albeit marred somewhat in the last fortnight by controversial decisions, red cards, and losing their unbeaten record to Southampton.
Newcastle will come into the clash on the back of a 1-1 draw away to a tough Wolves side, following a game of few chances a late Jacob Murphy free-kick earned Steve Bruce’s side a point.
However, despite the current disparity in league positions, it’s the Merseysiders recent frailties that will give the Toon hope, as well as one tactical flaw which was highlighted in the loss to the Saints, and this is where Bruce’s side must look to take advantage when the two sides meet.
Everton captain Seamus Coleman was missing for the 2-0 defeat on the south coast and it is unknown when he may return to the side. In his absence, new signing Ben Godfrey filled in a right-back despite naturally being a centre-back.
With little to no help from James Rodriguez in front of him, both Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand caused Godfrey no end of problems down his side, with the 22-year-old often caught out of position.
Arguably, the strongest area of attack for the Tynesiders comes down the left as Allan Saint-Maximin and the marauding Jamal Lewis take their positions, both of whom should be relishing the contest up against an inexperienced full-back.
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Though a visit from the side top of the table after six games presents obvious challenges to Bruce’s men, the Magpies manager should be quietly optimistic regarding his sides changes given the more recent tribulations faced at Goodison Park.
Sunday’s visitors are also likely to be without both Richarlison and Lucas Digne for the clash, although Everton boss Ancelotti stated he intended to appeal the red card handed to his French full-back.
Regardless of Digne’s involvement, there is certainly a weakness in the table toppers, and Newcastle with Saint-Maximin, in particular, are primed to exploit it.
