Mark Lawrenson predicts the result of Newcastle clash v Everton
Mark Lawrenson expects the points to be shared when Everton travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle on Tuesday night.
The Toffees will be managed by Frank Lampard for the first time in the Premier League as they go head-to-head with another relegation rival in a huge game in the race for survival.
Lawrenson is expecting a tough game and while he thinks Newcastle need the three points more than Everton do, he expects the game to end in a 1-1 draw, as shared in his BBC Sport predictions.
“Everton got a good win over Brentford at the weekend in Frank Lampard’s first game in charge, and he could give debuts to deadline-day signings Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli at St James’ Park,” he said.
“Lampard really needs striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to be fit for this one, though. He makes such a difference for them, especially away from home.
“Newcastle have got some new faces too, of course, and it will be interesting to see how they line up in their first game for more than a fortnight.
“Overall they did pretty good business in the transfer window, but it might take a bit of time for this Newcastle team to bed in. They need the three points more than Everton do, but I don’t think they will get them.”
Six-pointer
While Lawrenson could be right about Newcastle needing the three points more than Everton, that doesn’t mean the Toffees don’t need the points too.
They currently sit in 16th place in the league with just four points separating them from the relegation zone after just one league win since September.
Lampard has brought in to get results immediately and that means winning these games against other struggling sides.
It will be a tough game though, considering the additions Newcastle made to their team in the winter window but the Everton squad is still stronger and deeper, so they should be expecting to win.
A draw doesn’t do much for either side, but it’s better than defeat. Expect the Toffees to come forward but ensure they stay secure defensively to leave with something rather than nothing.
In other Everton news, ‘On the edge’ – Chris Sutton drops Everton relegation view ahead of Newcastle clash