Mark Lawrenson predicts outcome of Everton clash v Newcastle in Premier League
Mark Lawrenson believes Everton will fall to defeat against Newcastle in their upcoming Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening (26 April).
The Toffees stopped the rot last weekend (22 April) by picking up a valuable point against Crystal Palace after consecutive defeats beforehand to Manchester United and Fulham.
However, this wasn’t enough for Sean Dyche’s side to remain above the relegation zone, with Leicester City leapfrogging them and leaving the Merseyside club 18th with just six games of the season remaining.
Writing in his Paddy Power column, Lawrenson admitted that despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return to fitness, this wouldn’t be enough for Everton to claim a result, predicting a 2-1 win for Newcastle.
“Newcastle to win this. They’ve had their blip and they put away a very poor Spurs side on Sunday,” he wrote.
“I can’t see them blowing the Champions League now.
“Everton didn’t look like scoring against Crystal Palace at the weekend. I know Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s back but it’s going to take him a bit of time to get up and running.”
Stern test
Dyche and his Everton side will have to rely on the power of the Goodison Park crowd if they harbour ambitions of claiming three points against Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side were simply irresistible last weekend as they thrashed Spurs 6-1 and will arrive into the encounter full of confidence amid their remarkable push for Champions League football.
Both James Tarkowski and Michael Keane will have a tough task on their hands keeping Alexander Isak at bay, with the Swedish forward having netted ten goals from just 15 Premier League outings this term.
However, the biggest factor that could determine the outcome of this match is the fitness and performance of Calvert-Lewin.
After playing his first 90 minutes of action since mid-January, it will be interesting to see how the Englishman’s body holds up and whether he can be at his destructive best for the Toffees.
If Calvert-Lewin remains fully fit and firing, Everton might be able to spring a surprise.