(Credit: Imago)

Young shares reason he's wants Everton to kill Newcastle's Champions League hopes

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

23 May 2025, 7:10 am

Everton head into the final game of the Premier League season with the pressure off after David Moyes guided them to safety.

The same cannot be said for their opponents, Newcastle United, who can secure Champions League football with a win.

While it could be argued that the Toffees have nothing to play for, some of their players would disagree.

Moyes has transformed Everton (Credit: Imago)

Everton players out to spoil Newcastle party

Newcastle will be hungry for victory as they chew over a meeting with the Toffees this Sunday.

The Magpies head into the crucial encounter in a favourable fourth position, but only one point separates them and seventh-place Nottingham Forest.

Position	Team	Played	Points
3rd	Manchester City	37	68
4th	Newcastle United	37	66
5th	Chelsea	37	66
6th	Aston Villa	37	66
7th	Nottingham Forest	37	65

Newcastle are in a good position heading into the final day

With a top five finish guaranteeing Champions League football next season, the goal is clear for Eddie Howe's men.

However, there will be one man who is hoping to crush Newcastle's European hopes this weekend.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is a boyhood Sunderland supporter and will do all he can to stop the Magpies.

England's number one has previous in this fixture and caused a stir when celebrating emphatically in front of the Toon Army.

As Ashley Young featured on talkSPORT (22 May), he stated exactly why the Goodison club must defeat Howe's side.

Young said: “It’d be nice if [Pickford], given his roots with Sunderland, can stop Newcastle from getting in the Champions League.

"That’d make [my final game] even better.”

Pickford will have Sunderland on his mind this weekend (Credit: Imago)

Newcastle favourites, but Moyes can spring shock

There is no doubt that Newcastle will head into the match as favourites, given that it means so much more to them.

Not only that, but the North East club possess a strong side and could welcome back Alexander Isak to the starting eleven.

However, underestimate Everton at your peril.

Moyes has made the Toffees a different animal, and they are more than capable of rubbing shoulders with the league's best.

The 62-year-old has already defeated Forest and picked up a point against champions Liverpool.

As Newcastle eye Europe, Pickford and co will be hellbent on ruining their day for the Mackems.

Ashley Young