Newcastle United will be hoping to bounce back from their first Premier League defeat in 2022 when they travel to relegation rivals Everton. The Magpies nine-match unbeaten run in the top-flight came to an end on Sunday following a controversial defeat at Chelsea.
Eddie Howe's side remain nine points clear of the relegation zone, and will be hoping to add to this cushion on Thursday night at Goodison Park. United recorded a morale-boosting victory in the reverse fixture last month, and Everton sit outside of the relegation zone on goal difference following a home defeat to Wolves.
The Magpies head coach was forced into a late reshuffle in the capital with illness ruling out both Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock. Joelinton again missed out with a long-standing groin complaint, meaning Howe only had Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in midfield at his disposal.
The Newcastle boss confirmed Willock should be fit to return, while Shelvey remains a 'bigger concern' and a late call will be required on Joelinton's availability. Howe reverted to a back five for only the second occasion during his time on Tyneside so far, but should have the personnel available to return to the 4-3-3 formation which has proven successful in recent weeks.
Allan Saint-Maximin missed last week's victory at Southampton through illness, and was only deemed fit enough to make a substitute appearance at Stamford Bridge. Javier Manquillo came into the side in place of Emil Krafth, while Ryan Fraser was rested despite his recent run of form.
Bearing this team news in mind, here's a look at the predicted Newcastle XI for Thursday night's encounter at Everton.
Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Guimaraes, Longstaff, Willock; Fraser, Wood, Murphy
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