Sam Stone

Wed 19 October 2022 18:39, UK

Everton have confirmed their starting XI for their Premier League fixture against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.

Frank Lampard has made two changes to the side that lost to Tottenham with Neal Maupay and Dwight McNeil dropping to the bench with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anthony Gordon returning to the lineup.

Mason Holgate also returns to the substitutes bench with Salomon Rondon dropping out of the squad entirely.

Tough game

This is going to be a tough match for Everton, with Newcastle only losing one Premier League game so far this season and looking good in the European places.

The Toffees’ defensive record has taken a hit in their previous two matches, but they were more than a match for Spurs and rued some missed chances, particularly in the first half. The United fixture was simply a case of coming up against a much better side on the day.

Although Newcastle have immense financial backing, the Magpies have been very astute in how they’ve spent their millions over the summer. They still have a lot of players who featured in the 2021/22 season and are a team that Everton should be competing with.

These are the types of games which will define where Everton compete in the Premier League this season. Beating teams outside the top six will result in a good season for Lampard’s men.

With Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak ruled out for Newcastle, the Toffees could be playing Howe’s side at the right time.

Let’s hope they get back to winning ways this evening.