In a surprising move, Lloyd Kelly was given the starting nod over Lewis Hall at left back for his fourth start of the season. Hall, who has started the other four matches, including in last weekend’s draw against Manchester City, was left on the bench.
The Magpies have been in fine form this season, with only one loss in all competitions. Their strong performance against City earned them a valuable point. Manager Eddie Howe has stuck with a 4-3-3 formation in all of their matches, showing confidence in his tactical approach.
On the other hand, Everton has struggled with possession this season, boasting the lowest average possession in the league. This could give Newcastle the upper hand in controlling the ball in the upcoming match. With this in mind, Howe may opt to give Sandro Tonali his second consecutive league start to bolster their midfield.
The decision to start Tonali could have a significant impact on the game, as the Italian midfielder has shown glimpses of his quality in recent matches. His presence could help Newcastle dominate the midfield battle and dictate the pace of the game.
Jacob Murphy is expected to start on the right wing for Newcastle, providing pace and creativity in attack. His ability to take on defenders and deliver dangerous crosses could pose a threat to Everton’s defense.
Overall, the match between Newcastle and Everton promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with contrasting styles of play. Howe’s tactical approach and Tonali’s inclusion in the starting lineup will be key factors to watch out for in this highly anticipated clash.