Jordan Pickford dropped, four changes – Confirmed Everton XI v Newcastle
Jordan Pickford has been dropped from the Everton starting lineup by Frank Lampard for their Premier League clash against Newcastle.
Asmir Begovic has been selected in goal, for only his second league appearance of the season. Michael Keane comes back into the side in place of the suspended Jonjoe Kenny, with Ben Godfrey moving to left-back.
Allan also comes back into the side in place of Vitalii Mykoloenko, while Alex Iwobi comes in for Donny Van de Beek as Lampard reverts to a 4-3-3 formation. Dominic Calvert Lewin is only fit enough for a place on the bench, with Richarlison starting as the lone striker.
Everton start the game in 17th place, above the relegation zone only on goal difference having played less games than the three sides below them.
Confirmed XI: Begovic; Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Godfrey; Doucoure, Allan, Iwobi; Gordon, Richarlison, Gray.
Must win
There’s no two ways about it, this is a must-win game for Everton and their survival chances.
With upcoming fixtures against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, West Ham and Leicester before the end of the season they need to pick up points where they can.
They still have to take on fellow strugglers Brentford and Watford but defeats in the other games could mean it’s too late by then if they don’t get points tonight.
Lampard needs to ensure the team can be solid defensively and continue to create chances, something they did against Wolves for the most part but couldn’t take advantage of as Richarlison forgot his shooting boots.
A win would open up a small gap between themselves and the sides below them and knocks one more game off their schedule as they battle survival.
In other Everton news, ‘Battle’ – Neville Southall makes rallying cry to Everton fans before clash v Newcastle