Newcastle United vs Everton preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

Newcastle United will have a tough test when they take on table-toppers Everton.

Last time out, Steve Bruce's side nicked a point from Molineux with Jacob Murphy curling in a free-kick in the 89th minute, whilst Everton were dealt their first loss of the season at the hands of Southampton.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have enjoyed a fine start to the 2020/21 season and notable acquisitions of Allan, James Rodriguez, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Ben Godfrey have added to an already talented squad.

With 13 points from their opening six matches, it is clear that the Toffees mean business this season.

Team News - Newcastle United

Steve Bruce delivered mixed injury news in his pre-match press conference.

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles is a doubt for the game with a foot injury and Jonjo Shelvey remains unavailable following his hernia operation.

Bruce will have the option to include both Longstaffs in the team. Matty is available for selection after proving his fitness in a game and a half played for the Under 23 side whilst Sean has recovered from tonsillitis.

The Head Coach didn't risk Isaac Hayden against Wolves after the knock he picked up against Manchester United but the tough tackling midfielder will be available and likely to start this weekend.

Martin Dubravka, Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie all remain out injured.

Team News - Everton

The visitors go into the game with injury and suspension problems.

Ancelotti's side will be without Richarlison who is serving the second of a three game suspension for his dangerous tackle in the Merseyside derby. Lucas Digne was sent off in their last outing and will also miss out on the trip to the North East.

Elsewhere, the impressive James Rodriguez will miss the game along with club captain Seamus Coleman.

Jonjoe Kenny and Jarrad Braithwaite are available for the Toffees.

Previous Meeting

The last time the two sides met was a memorable 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

In a game that the hosts completely dominated somehow United ended up leaving with a point.

Goals from Moise Kean and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had given the Toffees a 2-0 lead that 99 times out of 100 would've seen them take maximum points.

Florian Lejeune scored his first two goals for the club in stoppage time to give his side a point in a crazy ending at Goodison.

The first of which was an uncharacteristic overhead kick and the second came in a goal mouth scramble that featured a characteristic blunder for ex-Sunderland man Jordan Pickford.

Key Players/Battles

Calvert-Lewin has started the season in phenomenal form for both club and country and United will have a difficult job to keep him quiet.

Life will be made harder for the Magpies due to the likely unavailability of captain Lascelles.

Similarly, Everton have been very strong in the midfield and the hosts will have to rely Isaac Hayden to break up the flow of the blues' midfield.

The Magpies' danger man is Allan Saint-Maximin who they will be hoping can take full advantage of the fact that neither of Everton's first choice full backs are available for selection.

Newcastle have struggled for shots on target this season and this is something that they will want to change so they can test the out of form Pickford.

What Steve Bruce said:

On the change of system last weekend:

"I think it's important that you've got the ability to change. We had to be better defensively.

"We'd been too open and had too many chances created against us. The key to it is getting the balance right and still being a threat the other way."

What Carlo Ancelotti said:

“We want to stay at the top of the table. We know that to play against Newcastle is always difficult. They had good results in the last few games, but we are focused. The spirit is good and we have confidence for the game.

“We have to be focused on the opponent, of course, because we have to try to find their weaknesses, but we have to be focused on ourselves most of the time."