Daniel Feliciano

Tue 18 October 2022 18:10, UK

Frank Lampard could be set to hand a first start of the season to two players when Everton take on Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Toffees have lost back to back games in the top flight against Manchester United and Tottenham recently, bringing their seven game unbeaten run to an abrupt halt.

But the team now travel up north for a tough away game against an in-form Newcastle side, and the boss could look to make some changes to freshen things up through the squad and get things back on track.

Jordan Pickford will undoubtedly keep his place between the sticks despite his error handing Spurs a penalty on Saturday evening, with Lampard backing him publicly since the game.

The defence is also unlikely to see much change, simply because of a lack of options.

Mason Holgate is back in the squad after a period out of action through injury, but he’s unlikely to start the game and will most likely be on the bench.

That should see Conor Coady and James Tarkowski keep their place in the centre of the Everton defence, while Vitalii Mykolenko and Seamus Coleman will start at full-back as Nathan Patterson continues his recovery process.

Midfield could see a change though, to add some fresh legs and provide an opportunity.

Idrissa Gueye has been a regular at the base of midfield since his return from Paris Saint-Germain but with a hectic schedule the 33 year old could be given a break, allowing for James Garner to step into the side for his full debut.

Ahead of him will surely be Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi, two of the team’s best performers this season who have struck up a brilliant understanding and balance in the heart of the side.

Anthony Gordon is set to return to the starting lineup after missing the Spurs defeat through suspension, which should see Dwight McNeil drop out of the side and back to the bench.

Demarai Gray is the best option to start on the left wing with his pace and goal threat giving the Newcastle defence something to worry about, while Lampard has a decision to make up front.

Neal Maupay has been a regular since joining from Brighton but has managed just one goal so far this season, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now fit again and ready for more minutes.

That should see the England international get the nod from the start, with a chance to earn back his starting spot as the number nine for the team.

Predicted Everton XI v Newcastle: Pickford; Coleman, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Onana, Iwobi; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Gray.