Everton v Newcastle United

Premier League

Everton v Newcastle United Cheat Sheet

Thursday evening sees Newcastle travel to Goodison Park as Everton host a hugely important clash at both ends of the table. Everton are currently in the relegation zone, and they come into this one having won just one of their last nine. Newcastle are flying and following their 6-1 demolition of Spurs on the weekend, they should be playing Champions League football next season.

Everton were only heading one way under Frank Lampard and a change of manager was inevitable. Without a win in ten in all competitions and picking up just two points in that time, the hierarchy decided that Sean Dyche was the right man to lead the club forward – his first job since his long-term stint at Burnley. Following the dream start after beating Arsenal at Goodison Park, they have won just two games in the 11 since, and despite being tough to beat (two defeats in their last seven), they are still in the relegation zone. However, a win here would take them up to 16th given the league is so congested at the bottom. Dyche was delighted to welcome back Dominic Calvert-Lewin into the starting 11 last weekend, and he has an excellent record in this fixture with five goals and an assist in his last seven against the Toon. They can also welcome Abdoulaye Doucoure back here after his suspension has now been served and Amadou Onana may also be able to come back in here following an injury that has ruled him out of the two most recent games. Nathan Patterson should replace Mason Holgate, who was sent off against Palace.

Newcastle fans are delighted with their first full season with their new ownership and with Eddie Howe. Despite defeat in the EFL Cup final, they’re five points clear of Aston Villa in 5th (who have played two more games) and six clear of Spurs (having played a game fewer). Their away form in particular has been sensational, with only Manchester City (30) and Arsenal (36) picking up more points than Newcastle’s 27 on the road so far. Their defensive record has been superb all season, conceding the fewest goals of any side in the division but they may be without Fabian Schar, who faces a late fitness test but should be available. Once again, Eddie Howe must make the decision between Alexander Isak (who he has favoured in recent weeks) or Callum Wilson – who has scored six in his last five against the Toffees - up front.

Southampton v Bournemouth

Premier League

Southampton v Bournemouth Cheat Sheet

Thursday evening sees Bournemouth travel along the South Coast to St Mary’s to face Southampton in a huge battle at the bottom of the table. The home side should really be coming into this one on the back of a win having been 3-1 up at the Emirates in the 87th minute and would have felt like they dropped two points. The visitors were hammered 4-0 at home by West Ham on the weekend on the back of six points from wins at Leicester and Spurs.

Southampton have been disappointing this season and look to be destined for a return to the Championship following 11 years in the Premier League. They are now onto their third manager of the season having already sacked Nathan Jones and Ralph Hassenhuttl with Ruben Selles now in charge. Results had initially improved under the Spaniard, beating Chelsea and Leicester in his first three games but they are now struggling to pick up any points. A win on Friday night would have made their prospects of survival look much likelier but they sit at the foot of the table, five points adrift from safety and if they are to stay up, they need to improve – and fast. However, their home record is abysmal and they have picked up just ten points from 16 games here – five fewer than any other side in the league. Che Adams, Mohammed Salisu, Juan Larios, and Valentino Livramento will all miss out, whilst Jan Bednarek is a doubt. The Polish centre-back could be replaced by Caleta-Car or Lyanco. Ainsley Maitland-Niles will probably come in for Romain Perraud having been ineligible to face his parent club Arsenal.

In many people’s eyes, Bournemouth were certainties for relegation this season. However, they have been flying and a run of three wins in their last five and four in their last seven might be enough to guide them to safety. They are now on 33 points and another four points should be enough to ensure another season in the top-flight next year. Having said that, West Ham beating them 4-0 last time out shows that there is no room for complacency at this level. On the road, they have won three of their last five, including each of their last two. A win here would be the first time they have ever won three consecutive Premier League away games. Ryan Fredericks and Junior Stanislas will miss out whilst Hamed Traore is a doubt. Jack Stephens is ineligible to face his parent club meaning that Senesi or Zabarnyi will partner Chris Mepham at the back.

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United Cheat Sheet

Tottenham haven’t helped their ‘Spursy’ reputation with the mess they find themselves in. After sacking Conte, they have now sacked his assistant who had taken over as interim manager meaning his assistant, Ryan Mason, has taken over. Spurs come into this game from an embarrassing loss to Newcastle where they were 5-0 down after just 21 minutes, as a result of this Spurs players have refunded Spurs fans for their tickets. I expect Spurs to show up with some fight in this match as they have a lot to prove to the Spurs fans. Spurs will be without Hugo Lloris here, his injury from the Newcastle game means he is unfit, but Lucas Moura and Ryan Sessegnon may be available for Spurs.

Manchester United will effectively seal their top 4 position with a win in this match, but injuries to key players may make this challenge harder for them. Manchester United will still be without Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane so Luke Shaw may be put in at centre-back again, it is clear Maguire still doesn’t have Ten Hag’s full trust. Apart from their problems at centre-back, Manchester United still have a very strong squad available to them. There is a lot of uncertainty about who wins this match, it depends on which version of both teams turn up which could make for a great match.

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