Both teams had active winter transfer windows, however for Everton they only signed one first team player in Senegalese striker Oumar Niasse from Lokomotiv Moscow. He comes with pace and power but unfortunately for his club, he will not be featuring against Newcastle. Their other 2 signings are prospects for the future, while the most notable exit from the Evertonian camp was Aiden McGeady, who has left on loan to Sheffield Wednesday.
For the Toon, we have the pleasure of having welcomed Jon-Jo Shelvey, Henri Saivet, Andros Townsend and the Ivorian striker Seydou ‘Rhino’ Doumbia – the latter having a pretty prolific record in the same Country Everton’s Niasse has just came from – Russia. Despite a late push for Saido Berahino it was not to be and the Toon also failed to land a left back having seen negotiations fail (thankfully) for Jose Enrique and (not so thankfully) Kieran Gibbs amongst others.
Previous Meetings:
1) Of the 169 games between the two sides, Everton just shade it with 69 wins to Newcastle’s 65.
2) Newcastle have not won this away fixture since September 2010 courtesy of a Hatem Ben Arfa stunner.
3) In fact, the Magpies have only recorded 3 wins at Goodison Park since the turn of the Century (15 games). Everton have won 8 of those games.
4) Everton have won 6 of the last 8 games against Newcastle.
5) One glimmer of hope is that Everton have not won in the league since they bet the Toon back in December.
6) Unfortunately for us – both Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku love playing Newcastle. They have 8 goals and 4 assists between them from a collective total of 12 games against us. That’s a goal a game…
Team News:
Everton:
Oumar Niasse misses out as he arrived after the midday cut off point. Muhamed Besic (hamstring) faces another fortnight out whilst Kevin Mirallas (tendon) misses out. Tim Howard is touch and go as he recovers from a knee injury. Tony Hibbert remains a long term absentee.
Newcastle United:
Flying winger and new signing Andros Townsend looks set to make his debut whilst Seydou Doubia may also feature if he gets his visa in time. This game may come too soon for Jack Colback (hamstring) but Paul Dummett (also hamstring) is expected to be available. Vurnon Anita (you guessed it…hamstring) is not expected to be have sufficiently recovered whilst Gabriel Obertan (yes…hamstring again) is not back until March – but he can expect to play little part in the remainder of this season provided this hamstring ‘coincidence’ does not become an epidemic…Tim Krul and Massaido Haidara (both knee) remain long term absentee’s along with Curtis Good.
Shamrock’s Blasts from the Past:
Just a little reminder of some of the players that have worn both the Toffee’s and Magpies’ shirts in previous years then; Sylvain Distin, Allesandro Pistone, Dan Gosling, Duncan Ferguson, Steve Watson, Peter Beardsley, Paul Gascoigne, the late Gary Speed, David Ginola and finally Paul Bracewell. So there you go – some cracking players and mutually appreciated legends – some not so much!
An important game for us then, but an extremely difficult one.
Referee:
Officiating this one will be 36-year-old Craig Pawson, who first officiated a Premier League game between Swansea and our very own Toon. The result? 1-0 to Swansea, who would beat us in the same fixture later that year by 3 goals to Nil with none other than a certain Mr Shelvey scoring! Pawson has officiated 6 Newcastle games since the beginning of the 2012/2013 season – with the Magpies registering 2 wins.
Everton V Newcastle United
Goodison Park
19:45 3rd February 2016
HWTL!!
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/814790783?-11058:809
And fucking nonsense like this doesn’t help IMO!!. Does this take into account we have no defenders due to injury like?
Sharpy17(Quote)
STUART it was before the season kicked that we among others that the club was ignoring the total lack of good defenders at the club their answer was to give Colo another contract,I don’t think we can put to much blame on SM for that as Carver said the players had already been chosen,which was down to Carr and Penfold but in saying that maybe it was SM that talked them round not to buy a new C/H and give Colo another year,end of the day a badly run club by all,we the fans are left to suffer the shambles of the circus
Icedog(Quote)
Here’s to Willo. He worked hard and gave his all. Colo works hard as well and added a bit of class to the back four but he gets overwhelmed and is too small for the Prem. Not his fault. Another class act though. We should thank him for his service at the end. 263 appearances so far. He’s outlived quite a few managers as well. And still he plays on because the owner was too cheap and stupid to bring in his replacement so he could step down with some dignity.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
No cover at all Kimtoon mate. We just couldn’t be bothered signing a LB in January so this is the price we pay. Playing Aarons there yesterday was a complete farce against a player like Lennon. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
TAE@443 I agree mate in fact there was a couple of top managers before season started saying they would consider the toon job
Icedog(Quote)
Id take the dour, boring wins at the moment if it give us stability and helped us grow. Think Moyes is the man to do that. Wenger? Hahahahahahahaha!
Anyway, McClarens record over the last one year is actually beyond belief! I think he’s presided over about 7 wins! Oh dear!
Stuart79(Quote)
“No, I think it’s…he’s not trained with the group and we have to assess him. I don’t think he has played since December (last game was 8 December CSKA Moscow v PSV), he has been training but we have to assess him and wait and see.”
Above is Mcarens word on Doumbia. So he ain’t Gona be our saviour because he is miles off match fitness. Not played since 8th December ffs. Sorry but the board well and truly cocked up yet again this January.
Shamrock(Quote)
G2, I know on deadline day they tried for Enrique and Gibbs and a few days before Siqueira who didn’t turn up for his medical and went to Valencia and the Argie lad orban who also went elsewhere. Trouble is they left it far too late like they always do. The position we’re in means they would need to do the hard sale and they should of tackled the situation regarding trying to sign a LB much sooner to allow for this. Honestly it’s like defenders are an after thought and it’s been that way for ever it seems.
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM it’s nearly five years since Enrique left that’s how long they have had to sort it
Icedog(Quote)
Shocking. Just looking around at comments on various websites. Everyone is being fair but honest. Disaster has struck yet again this season. Lack of squad building, absolutely shocking away tactics and preparation, lack luster efforts from so-called star players. Now they say Doumbia isn’t match fit and won’t be for a while. How is this allowed to happen?
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Fire the entire management staff at the end of the season. That means Charnley, Carr, and McLaren out the door. Hire a proper Director of Football. Get rid of the players who can’t even be bothered to make an effort. That list is frightening by the way. Sissoko has to go I think (he’s probably already planning his leave taking anyway). We already know who the dead wood are and there are about 7 or 8 of them. A modern manager. I would give Rogers a chance because I just can’t stand the thought of Moyes. But Ashley has to grow a set first.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2 the thing that really got my goat and pull out what little hair I have left was what SM had to say on his tactics for the game,let them have the ball and we will hit them on the break with the pace of Perez,that’s bloody great let’s spend 80 mil and let the other team have the ball,what’s wrong of starting on the front foot and pressing the ball and trying to score one or two more so knowing the defence cannot cope with pressure
Icedog(Quote)
Nuno would be my manager personally. He’s worked with Cathro before and I just fancy seeing what a foreign manager could do with this lot.
I’d be more than happy with Moyes, and reckon he’d most likely be the obvious choice. In the position we are in, I think Moyes is more likely to take the job instead of Nuno as well anyway.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Exactly Ice. Madness. Total buffoon.
Shamrock(Quote)
Spot on icedog @462. I thought we were going to press them hard. But Perez up front by himself? Laughable. No tactical nous whatsoever. I know McLaren has been saddled with a lot of poor, poor players in the squad but what a waste of 80M pounds over the last 2 windows. It seems to be getting worse not better at the club if that’s even possible…..
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I bet Ashley is sat at home thinking “What the **** do I need to do to keep these fans happy!” We’ve spent an absolute fortune and are still *****, heading for relegation and fans showing descent.
He’s a start for you, sack the coach and bring in a proper, talented and someone who has actually ache over something in football recently not in the last millienia!
Stuart79(Quote)
Just watched the extended ‘highlights’ on sky. Wow what a goalkeeper Rob Elliot is. Some people said Krul automatically comes back in when fit! I feel embarrassed for their lack of knowledge. 😳
DJG(Quote)
We’re in the state we’re in and Norwich get Villa next. You couldn’t make it up……
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I’ve always thought Elliot was a very decent keeper. This season he’s proving it. But we’re so useless defensively that his record is going to look very poor.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
So Doumbia isn’t expected to play for a bit? So our only hope for goals and he’s not ready???
We needed defenders and scorers but instead we bought another defensive midfielder and two inconsistent midfielders who haven’t played much recently…
Talk of a 22 mil bid was pure bullshit. We never made a bid which we thought would be accepted. Instead we were giving a little sweetener when Perez signed a new contract. He’ll still be sold to the highest bidder
Gashley(Quote)
I know the game has changed a hell of a lot since my playing days but the basics are just about the same but much faster thought process,we trained every day with ” one” coach,we had a number two his job was to watch teams we were about to play and work out what made them tick,then we all had a meeting on Thursday and played on a Friday practice game to cover which player would cover their better players,but always to start fast and press their players in certain areas to allow our better players to prosper,never ever did we go into a game to defend attack the game was our coaches forte,surely things haven’t changed that much,try to win the game
Icedog(Quote)
GASH@470 the lad himself said he’s fit and ready to go SM says he is not ready,this kid very rarely trained in Russia his team mates didn’t mind because they knew he would turn it on in the match,he scored for fun even in the CL he played well and scored a few against PL teams,I know this is the PL but why not give him minutes he cannot be worse than we are doing now ” nowt”
Icedog(Quote)
We had a chance to get out of the drop zone yesterday. A win would have given us immeasurable confidence. Everton had not won at home since fecking November and had not won at all since last time they beat us. We should have used their poor form and put the pressure on from the word go – go for the jugular.
Why on earth Did we sit back and invite them to settle into the game with possession? Utter madness. Anybody that watched that game knows we got battered in every department. Anybody that watched the game k.les the set up and tactical plan was a disaster as was his awful dynamic changes.
We were diabolical and should have lost by 5. One of the worst performances I have ever seen. Why the flippin fook has be not been sacked yet?
Moyes is available and realistic. Benitez is available and slightly unrealistic but not Arsene feckin Wenger unrealistic! Throw loads of money at Benitez with Moyes as the back up plan. McC has to go. I appreciate he’s an optimist trying to make the Ayers confident but he’s not appreciating the fact that they are not compete idiots. They will be wise to how ***** he is setting them out and will be looking at him like he’s a compete bloody stupid grinned buffoon with no clue. He needs to go ffs.
Shamrock(Quote)
@ice cool. Cheers
It would be our luck for SM to hold him back for a few games 👿
Gashley(Quote)
Looking at Sunderland’s fixture. They too haven’t got many points to play for.
http://www.skysports.com/sunderland-fixtures
It’s going to go to the wire.. I think we’ll just..be ok
Gashley(Quote)
SHAM the thing is mate there is games we could win but not with the tactics he’s using surely he’s not that bloody dumb
Icedog(Quote)
The sad thing is, I think Mitrovic and Lascelles have potential but it’s just too soon for them this season. Having no experienced players other than the likes of Taylor and Cisse, was in itself a massive gamble. Can’t keep blaming Ashley, Charnley and Carr are top of my list.
DJG(Quote)
I’ve seen nothing in Lascelles to suggest he’s any good. Some OK clearances and a good goal. But at 22 and 6ft 2. He’s 2 inches and a year older than Mbemba who seems years ahead. I’d rather have kept willo
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley
22 is young for a centre half mate. 😉
DJG(Quote)
I agree, DJG, Ashley can’t be blamed for the squad building. He’s allowed £80m to be spent – £80 fucking million!!! I can blame Ashley for not acting and sacking McClaren. I’d also be giving long hard consideration to Charnley too because he was the one who offered the job to McClaren three times and almost got us relegated last season while waiting for him. Anyone would think McClaren was the most successful manager on earth the we went about getting him!
Stuart79(Quote)
Aye. Mbemba is 21. Lascelles made some blind alley runs with the ball yesterday, came to nothing and a couple actually put us at risk. Can’t knock his confidence but he has slow reations and is easily turned
Gashley(Quote)
Gash – Lascelles needs a CB coach to work with. I get pissed off by this ‘ball playing CB’ crack – **** that!!!. He needs to just focus on defending – take a look at Ryan Shawcross for example – no nonsense, just be a no risk, row Z centre back. That alongside Mbemba would be perfect I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mbemba still has a lot to learn also. The free kick he gave away on the edge of the box when the player was going away from goal was really just inexperience.
DJG(Quote)
DJG I agree. Pointed that out yesterday. Mbwmba had a bad game yesterday and cost us a goal very recently too. He has a hell of a lot to learn. Sony get me wrong he’s had a good first season in the EPL, but he is nowhere near the finished article.
Shamrock(Quote)
Confused on who will play for us at the weekend…looks like Colo and Lascelles in the centre with Janmaat on the right of course. Taylor seems to only be fit enough for the bench. So who’s on the left? I think Mbemba, Haidara, Dummett, Mbabu, Anita and Colback all injured. That’s a pretty big injury list!
Plenty of clubs have had to play kids in positions, but do we really have anyone ready??
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS – Lascelles got sent off last night mate so he won’t be playing. Mbemba & Dummett appear to be injured though I don’t know how badly.
Taylor could be in mate, coz we lost Willo & Satka in the window – young Jamie Sterry might well get himself a game this weekend 😯
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY
Oh yeah. Good point!
According to what I read, Dummett is definitely out but should be fit for the next game. I’m a little confused who our “4 fit defenders” are according to what I read him say then. Unless he’s actually including Lascelles or Mbemba is going to make a remarkable recovery.
If not, that leaves us with Colo, Janmaat and a half fit Taylor. ******…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
@djg
Mbemba does have a lot to learn but to come from a different league and to play so well in his first season, at 21 shows how much Lascelles has to do before being a regular.
I hope he does come good, like shapy said, stop messing about thinking your Albert, just concentrate on clearing the line
Gashley(Quote)
Interesting stat for all those Mitro haters;
Mitrovic has scored 4 goals in 19 apps in the league. He’s 21. At his age, Shearer scored 4 in 36 league apps. #NUFC
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – not sure the kid has haters just yet – critics maybe but not haters.
I’m pretty sure if you asked big Al about those stats he would say they could have been better – and I’m pretty sure Mit would want his better.
Like I said the other night, had Riviere missed he’d be slaughtered, but Mit gets away with it coz he’s 21 – that’s up to you. But I hope Mit isn’t ok with missing his chances, and if he’s any decent forward he won’t be ok with it. I know it bothers him, coz I saw an article with him quoting so.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t think anybody has said he’s happy with the chances he’s missing. In fact he’s probably as unhappy as he’s ever been in his life but people who have watched football for years or know a little about it will realise that young footballers get better at their skills the older they get and the more they practice. It’s not rocket science. He will improve naturally, like Shearer did, the only difference with Shearer was that he had Dalgliesh to improve him further than just his natural improvement – Mitro has McClaren!
Stuart79(Quote)
Mitro will come good, just needs time, sadly it’s a **** shame our position is putting so much pressure on him.
kimtoon(Quote)
Shearer had 23 goals in 118 appearances for Saints and that included a hattrick on he debut. Even when he was established in the Saints team and was Mitros age he only scored 1 in 4 and had 3 years before to get used the the old first division/ PL.
It shows the naivety of Charnley to put all of his eggs in one basket when they were also actively trying to move Cisse on. It also shows the stupidity of Carr who buys for potential and not for need.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I hope they start the Rhino tomorrow, how’s he meant to get match fit if he don’t start. Bit worried at the things coming out about him not being fit enough yet.
kimtoon(Quote)
There is a pattern of us being forewarned on some of our purchases. A lot of Forest fans were glad to get the cash for Darlow and Lascelles. Thauvin was in L’equips worst team and many said he was very similar to Cabella and just as lightweight. Spurs fans were not bothered at all that Townsend left. I hope they all come good, but we were warned.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-relegation-fight-theres-10840021
kimtoon(Quote)
The Chron have finally woken up to the fact that McClaren might be parts of the problem. They also give some new manager and survival scenario. I always get the impression these “journalists” read the blogs and then rehash the ideas a few days later or when they finally see the light:
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-relegation-fight-theres-10840021?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kimtoon: 🙂 🙂 same again.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, it’s an interesting read and they will have to act if we lose on Saturday. I have backed SM as you know and he has had us play very well here and there but for what ever reason they don’t seem to have totally eradicated the fragility that exist within the squad whenever we concede. It’s a real concern, the City is a pressure cooker of football, great when all’s well and a tidal wave of doom when it’s not. Even us fans are like a bunch of bi-polar sufferers, up in the clouds one week and on the floor the next, there is no happy medium, or that’s how it feels. Frankly I am starting to find it exhausting following the team and it ought to be a joy, it always used to be. As much as he has spent a lot of money of late, it all feels too little too late somehow and there are still huge question marks over who they are buying as we are still not addressing the real areas of concern, proving little has been learnt.
kimtoon(Quote)
After WBA 3 of our next 4 games are away…
Stuart79(Quote)
Steve hasn’t annoyed me half as much as Carver but playing Perez as the lone striker and taking off the best player was getting there 🙂 Now Steve says we have a 15 game mini-season, followed by a 10 game season and then a five. He may as well have got Ugly John’s notes from a drawer at SJP and just said “every game is a cup final”.
So far, I haven’t really had that many ups and downs about this team because I thought it might take half a season to gel. At that point I was leaning towards sacking McClaren and said so, but was not 100%. Anything other than a win tomorrow and he should be sacked.
BUT…BUT… he is on the board so how the fck can they be making contingency plans for a new manager??? it will have to be sack Steve and then Carr and Charnley get on facebook to contact Nigel Pearson or Troy’s Lee Clark.
Nah, it would require Ashley to call someone and take over from his MD. So I ask you, what is Charnley really doing?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It’s still down to Ashley to make the decision. Charnley can’t possibly make the right decision because that would make him culpable after trying for so long to get McClaren and looking like a complete incompetent.
Stuart79(Quote)
At the end of the day the club is Ashley’s, he can do what ever he wants.
kimtoon(Quote)
Glad people are finally coming around – we should have sacked Schteve ages ago, the longer we wait the tougher it’ll be for us. Disgrace.
Newkie(Quote)
Agee, Newkie. We can’t leave it until 9 games to go like last time. But my fear is we will beat WBA (that bits not the fear) which will keep him in a job and then just capitulate against Chelsea and Stoke and then we’re down to only ten games left. Needs doing now but it won’t of course.
Stuart79(Quote)
can’t see the little tuft of hair on the top of his heed lasting much longer.
i reckon it will be out sometime between 3 & 5 on saturday.
roy cropper(Quote)
Stu – exactly, just not enough time for the new guy otherwise. I think we’ll beat Wbrom as well and prolong Schteve’s absymal tenure.
Holding back and allowing Everton to play? Has Steve not watched a Roberto Martinez side in the last 5 years ffs? They can move the ball around nicely but are often forced into errors with an effective game. So obviously we just let them cut through us like butter.
Newkie(Quote)
We have WBA. If he is sacked after that match we have only one game in 25 days. That must be enough time for a new manager to put his stamp on the side even when we have to face Chelsea who do not have the same aura as they once had at Stamford Bridge.
It is also some time to get players fit (some will be back for Chelsea), have the new lads settle and get Doumbia on the training pitch.
Of course Steve will say that all he needs is that time off as well before we start our “12 game season”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I also think we will beat West Brom with Shelvey pulling the strings again.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
How was your trip to Thailand Eric?
Had your herpes jab and aids check yet? 😆 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
I said jabba had flashed his cash this year about 5/6 to late talk is he might sell up,there must be a group in China with the cash to buy the toon,they are getting into footy in a big way paying thirty,forty,fifty mil for player for their lge also paying big wages
Icedog(Quote)
Chris guys. We spend a load of money in the Jan window, play one bad game and suddenly it’s a disaster and McClaren needs to be sacked now! I’m glad none of you guys are my boss! Bad game against Everton. **** happens. But we’ve just signed several players so McClaren needs to be given a chance to let them prove themselves too. Would be idiotic to sack him now!
I’m not a great fan of his, and never have been, but he needs to be given a chance.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS – It’s not just one game is it though, we’ve been shocking all season, barely an improvement on Carver with a stronger squad, and I don’t really see any signs of improvement. I’ve made it clear I’ve wanted him sacked for a few months now – we can’t afford relegation, don’t think it will be the fairytale story as it was the last time around..
Newkie(Quote)
The board didn’t exactly help Carver in anyway shape or form. Carver isn’t as bad as people make out. He tried his best but I still believe his no worse than McClaren. He didn’t have the luxury of 80 million spent on the team. McClaren really ****’s me off with we played tremendous every time we lose routine. It set’s out the wrong impression to the players.
Terry(Quote)
McClaren needs to be given a chance ? We been in the bottom 3 most of the season. I’m judging him on results and the millions his had to improve the team.
Terry(Quote)
Colback and Dummett out. Interesting back four tomorrow . . . I’d also drop Sissoko. He’s been abysmal lately.
georgio(Quote)
Sissoko can leave in the summer for all I care. He has his head high above his station. He isn’t good enough for the champions league.
Terry(Quote)
AMF: I am still in Thailand. Game starts at 10pm tomorrow but there is some TV dispute so we are not sure it will be shown. Blessing in disguise?
Going to an Aussie bar at 6.30 am to watch the Super Bowl on Monday. Have been told it gets a bit rowdy.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If I get on as well with the antipodeans in the bar on Monday as I do with them on here I might come out with a wonky nose and gouged eye. Will fit in well with the rest of them 😉 Seriously though, I have been to the Outback bar in Koh Samui a few times since I have been here and the are the biggest bunch of bald, pot-bellied ugly MFs I have ever seen.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
5 wins in 24 or 1 win in 8, TDS. Hardly just one game is it?! You are the person who swore blind we didn’t need any new defenders at the start of the season, so forgive me for not taking your opinion on board this time. He needs to go, he’s not up to it – simple!
Stuart79(Quote)
So McClaren didn’t foresee a crisis in defence. Then he is more incompetent than I thought because just about every fan did. Fans have been calling out for the defence to be strengthened for months.
Groucho(Quote)
Notice McClaren is using injuries as the excuse now. What about the previous 23 game spell, Steve? What about you buying 3 midfielders instead of a defender?
Stuart79(Quote)
Terry Sissoko isn’t good enough for the Champioship either. You have to work harder in the lower leagues and that is not in his locker.
Groucho(Quote)
Deary me. The clever boys running the show know so much more than any of you whining fans.
Sit back, relax and watch them flush the fat mans investment down the *******.
Its clear they don’t intend sacking SMacca, so its pointless even speculating about it.
The dice has been cast, and now its time to roll with it.
It was complete and utter madness employing SMacca in the first place.
A recipe for disaster. Nearly everybody said so at the time.
But the clever boys know best.
quite amusing really
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Injuries or not, we loose tomorrow & he should be shifted!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)