Eddie Howe will almost certainly make changes to his Newcastle United team against Everton.
After the disappointment of losing to Marseille in the Champions League, the Magpies are preparing for another away game. This time they are off to Merseyside, as they make their Hill Dickinson Stadium debut against Everton.
It is another must-win game for Newcastle United, as Geordie Boot Boys pick out four changes that Eddie Howe must make to his side.
Can Newcastle end their horrible away form vs Everton? Give us your predictions in the comments!
Newcastle United must revert back to 4-3-3
This is the most nailed-on change. Newcastle used a 3-4-3 system against Marseille, with Dan Burn joining Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schar at centre-back while Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy were used as wing-backs.
That was all part of Eddie Howe’s gameplan, with the Newcastle United manager expected to go back to 4-3-3 on Saturday.
The Magpies have only started with a back five three times this season, so expect to see the usual defensive four against the Toffees.
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The Nick Pope vs Aaron Ramsdale debate
Howe’s biggest selection dilemma comes in goal. Nick Pope’s mistake against Marseille has resulted in fans calling for him to be dropped, with Aaron Ramsdale waiting patiently for his opportunity.
It is an opportunity that might not come, with reports claiming that Pope is likely to start against Everton.
However, that feels like a risk. Howe should take Pope out of the firing line and give Ramsdale a chance. The former is under a lot of pressure, while the latter will be wondering what he has to do to get a game if he does not feature on Saturday.
While Pope remains an excellent goalkeeper, his recent catalogue of errors cannot be ignored.
- Who is Nick Pope? Get to know the Newcastle United No.1 goalkeeper
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento hold the key
Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento were outstanding against Manchester City, but were not properly utilised against Marseille. That was a sensible decision, with Hall being protected following his return from injury and Livramento being required down the left.
But normal service should resume at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Hall at left-back and Livramento at right-back as part of a flat back four.
Their energy down the flanks can hurt Everton, just like it hurt Manchester City.
Eddie Howe cannot repeat Anthony Gordon decision
Newcastle United fans were not impressed with Anthony Gordon as a striker on Tuesday night.
He was deployed through the middle instead of Nick Woltemade, with Howe managing his record signing’s minutes amid a gruelling run of fixtures and a lack of alternative strikers.
Where should Anthony Gordon play against Everton?
Left wing, right wing, striker, bench?! Give us your view in the comments!
The decision made sense, but it cannot be repeated against Everton. Woltemade must return to the starting XI, which raises questions over where Gordon will play.
The 24-year-old will be desperate to start against his former club, but Harvey Barnes is playing so well on the left that he cannot be displaced. That leaves either the right wing or the bench for Gordon, who will be on the receiving end of loud Scouse boos on Saturday evening.
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