Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton v Newcastle United, ‘I am not convinced…’
Chris Sutton predicts Everton to earn a point against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday (5 October).
The Blues will host Newcastle at Goodison Park looking to earn consecutive league victories after the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Sutton is backing Sean Dyche to get a result on the weekend in his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport [3 October] but didn’t go as far as to suggest Everton could win the contest, saying the game will finish 1-1.
He said: “I’ve got a big coin here and I am just tossing it up. That’s how hard it is to call this one.
“Newcastle produced their best performance of the season against Manchester City last week, but can they back it up here? I am not convinced they will.
“Everton will be buoyed after getting their first win, over Crystal Palace. Iliman Ndiaye looks sharp in attack and they have Jarrad Branthwaite back fit in defence, which I think is big.
“I really don’t know what to expect, so I am going to sit firmly on the fence and go for a draw.
“Prediction: 1-1.”
Everton can cause problems for Newcastle United
Unfortunately for Everton, the side will be without Jarrad Branthwaite against Newcastle with the defender nursing a minor muscle injury [The Mirror].
His absence will be a massive loss for the Blues on the weekend and Dyche now faces a selection dilemma on who to select to start alongside James Tarkowksi, the unreliable Michael Keane, or the unproven Jake O’Brien.
Another victory would go a long way to ease the pressure on the Toffees boss amid the constant speculation regarding his long-term future at Goodison Park and could see his side enter the international break four points clear of the relegation zone should Liverpool do their Merseyside rivals a favour against Crystal Palace.
Dwight McNeil has been in sensational form at the start of the season with three goals and two assists in six Premier League outings, the move to the central role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been revolutionary for the 24-year-old.
The performances this season for Everton have not been an issue, however, the defence cannot stop leaking goals and against top-quality opposition in Newcastle, the players will have a long afternoon ahead to thwart the visitors.
Dyche absolutely must nail his team selection on Saturday to build on the momentum from last weekend’s pivotal victory.
In other Everton news, Dele Alli has been hit by new injury concerns as developments emerge from Finch Farm.
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