Premier League: struggling Toffees face sticky clash with in-form Newcastle

Games don’t come much bigger down the bottom of the Premier League then Everton hosting Newcastle with the hosts fighting for their lives. 

When Eddie Howe took the Magpies job his side trailed Everton by 10 points and were all-but down, but their massive turnaround now sees them nine points ahead of the Toffees and all-but safe. 

Instead, it’s Frank Lampard who is staring relegation in the face after a listless defeat against Wolves, but despite just two wins in 13 Everton are still favourites to win the game at 2.44. Newcastle are in far better form but 3.2 outsiders with the draw priced up at 3.5. 

Ever-present Everton in serious bother 

Premier League ever-presents Everton haven’t been relegated from the top flight since 1951, but with their worst ever return of 22 points from 26 matches, going down is now a distinct possibility. 

Lampard has managed just three points from six games, and the lack of a new manager bounce, and poor performances against Spurs and Wolves, see his position already in jeopardy. 

Everton could start to get twitchy as 2.98 chances to go down, and only outside of the drop zone on goal difference. Despite having games in hand they’ve got a serious tough run of fixtures and, apart from against Man City, performances have remained poor under Lampard. 

Everton boss Frank Lampard has not had much to smile about since taking over at Goodison Park

Magpies hoping for bounce back win 

Newcastle’s 1-0 reverse at Chelsea was their first league defeat of the year and the way they played at Stamford Bridge, coupled with their form under Howe, means they’ll be hugely confident heading to Goodison. 

Even more so on the back of three straight wins over Everton, including the reverse fixture just over a month ago, and the fact they’ve scored at least two goals in five of the last six meetings. Even with the investment coming into the club, Howe has done a fine job getting such good results making the Magpies one of the form sides of 2022. 

Hard to justify Toffees as favourites 

Only one Premier League side has fewer points than Everton since Lampard took charge, they’ve lost four of their last five league games at home and they’ve not scored in their last four outings. 

That form just doesn’t stand up for them to be favourites against Newcastle – who won six of seven before losing at Chelsea, and performance levels have been poles apart between the two sides. Newcastle are a decent price here, where an early goal will really ramp up the nerves of the home crowd. 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin could help with Everton’s goal drought, and especially with this opposition as he’s scored more goals against Newcastle than any other team. He’s 2.42 to score his sixth goal against the Magpies. 

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