Everton (H) – Pre-match thoughts, team news, starting 11 and prediction

Olly Hawkins

The final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season is almost upon us, and our mission is clear; win and we’ve qualified for the Champions League!

No matter what happens, this has been a season we’ll never forget and a sensational run in league and cup. Thinking back to that 4-2 defeat at Brentford, not many would’ve believed you if you’d told them we’d have a trophy and be 90 minutes from a top four finish just a few months later!

The atmosphere on Sunday promises to be special. It’s our cup final against an Everton side with little to play for and a huge chance to cap off a memorable season with a return to Europe’s top competition.

With 12 wins in our last 15 at home, six league victories in a row at St James’ Park and 20 goals scored in that period, I have faith in the lads to get the job done. We rose to the occasion at Wembley, our motivation levels couldn’t be higher and it’s in our hands on a weekend where other top five rivals may be looking over their shoulders.

Howe’s pre-match comments

On moving on from last Sunday’s loss – “I thought we deserved more from Arsenal. The lads were disappointed with the result. Training has been lively this week, been in good spirits, we are looking forward to it, it will be a great atmosphere and a great occasion. To be at home, in front of our supporters, it is in our hands.”

On this Sunday’s big occasion – “We have, this season so far, attacked the game, been fearless in our approach. Then, galvanised by the crowd, allows us to rise to any game we are playing. We have to be relaxed and in that sweet spot, in that right emotional state.”

On Isak’s fitness – “Alex is doing okay, hasn’t trained with us yet but has made good progress. Next few days will be crucial to his availability for the weekend. There is a chance, we will only play him if he is fit to contribute. We will leave the decision on Alex until tomorrow.”
On Joelinton and Trippier – “No, Joelinton won’t be back, he has had another injection in his knee. He is making good progress, we envisage he will be back pre-season with no problems. Kieran hasn’t trained with us yet but has a chance in the next couple of days to build up his load. We will see on his availability.”

Team news

Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier both have a chance of making it, Sven Botman has trained all week and Joelinton has been ruled out once again along with Lewis Hall.

For Everton, starting centre-backs James Tarkwoski and Jarred Branthwaite are both out along with Seamus Coleman.

Predicted line-up

(3-4-3) – Pope – Schar, Botman, Burn – Murphy, Bruno, Tonali, Livramento – Barnes, Isak, Gordon.

If Isak’s out I think we’ll see Wilson come in, coming in with a point to prove on what could be his last game for the club. However, I’m confident our top scorer will make it.

This would mean just one change from our 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, although it will be tough to call our formation and team selection if Trippier makes it.

His leadership and creativity down that right could be key, but should he play and Howe revert back to a 4-3-3, who would drop out and centre-back, who is that third midfielder alongside Bruno and Tonali, and which of Gordon, Murphy and Barnes misses out?

Match prediction

The big occasion usually drives these players on at St James’ Park and I’m expecting the atmosphere to give us another advantage.

No Isak would see pre-match nerves ramp up, but I think he’ll be OK based on our precautionary move last weekend and his ability to play through his groin issues in recent months.

Gordon to deliver against his former club and Isak to sign off for 2024/25 with another goal to secure a top-five finish!

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Everton

Howay the lads!

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

View all posts by Olly Hawkins →

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26 thoughts on “Everton (H) – Pre-match thoughts, team news, starting 11 and prediction”

  1. So, we have Derby games back next season. Sheffield man, just threw that match away. So many chances wasted. Like us when we played Arsenal but shi.tter footy. lol!

    This last game has potential banana skin all over it. I still see us getting the job done though. Heart wins.

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  2. In April Everton beat Forest away and drew with Arsenal at home .. the last three games they are unbeaten which included beating Fulham away … tricky fixture when so much rests upon it 🙏🙏..

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  3. Agree Mike, not looking forward to this one bit. Massive banana skin game and will be gutted if we lose out and have to watch a really shitty Spurs take a CL spot that based on league form they should never be near.

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  4. The worst thing will be seeing little T Rex gloating … we really need to get at them and we need to play for a full 90 minutes, not just turn up for the first half then go on holiday.

    I’m so pi.ssed off that it’s not shown on either Sky or TNT. They both have enough channels to show all the games. This boils my blood. I have a firestick but it’s always buffering. I’d rather watch legally.

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  8. I was more nervous against Chelsea than I am for today. I desperately wanted us going into this game with our fate in our own hands.

    There is no depending on other teams – win & we get CL – simple as that 🤷🏼‍♂️.

    I get Liverpool will be presented with the trophy today – but 90mins of a nothing match for a trophy lift is just ridiculous!!.
    Show ANY of the CL games then switch to the presentation if you need to 🤷🏼‍♂️.

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  9. On Sunderland – they were awful for about 70mns but hung in and scored 2 good goals 🤷🏼‍♂️.

    I’m pleased the Derby games are back rather than Sheff Utd which mean nowt.

    But truly – would I take more pleasure in seeing them beat once yesterday or smashed week in week out next season 😏.
    I see nothing but rock bottom of the PL for our scummy little neighbours

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  10. Sharpy17:
    I was more nervous against Chelsea than I am for today.I desperately wanted us going into this game with our fate in our own hands.

    There is no depending on other teams – win & we get CL – simple as that .

    I get Liverpool will be presented with the trophy today – but 90mins of a nothing match for a trophy lift is just ridiculous!!.
    Show ANY of the CL games then switch to the presentation if you need to .

    My thoughts exactly.

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  11. Kim – my gut feeling is that Forest & Chelsea both miss out.

    I think Forest beat Chelsea but us & Villa win (and City but they are ahead on points) – that would leave us & Villa on 69, Forest 68 and Chelsea 66

    City, us & Villa get CL – which would be a real shame for Forest who have been up there for so much of the season 🤷🏼‍♂️

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  24. Oh my word. It was my Mams birthday today so had a houseful of people so unable to comment. Forced to watch a dodgy stream that kept buffering like hell. But what an awful performance. Nick Pope man, kept us in it. Tino did well but where was Isak? Shocking. I think we started with the wrong formation too. I’d have gone 433 up hey ho. Never thought I’d be thankful to Manchester United Nd a dodgy ref in their game to squeeze into CL in fifth.
    But, WE ARE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 😂😂😂💪

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  25. Is it safe to come out yet??? 🤢🤢

    Shame to finish such a great season like that – but it’s still been a great season!!.

    A cup and Champions League 🏆.

    No analysis today – just dream of spending our CL money 🤔🤔🤑🤑

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