We’ve got a mid-table clash to take in on Saturday. Newcastle and Everton are both sitting toward the center of the English Premier League table, but European football remains within their grasp. As we head into Matchweek 28, there is still time to pile up points and move up the table. Which team will seize that opportunity on Saturday?
Newcastle are -145 ML favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. An Everton upset is priced at +370 odds, with the draw at +310. The over/under for this game is set at 2.5 goals. Let’s get into a prediction and a pick for this matchup.
Newcastle vs. Everton prediction, pick
It’s a strange time for Newcastle. They’re through to the Round of 16 in the Champions League, but sit at 11th in the EPL table. That disparity in play is odd, to say the least. But results are results, and they’ll hope to parlay that good run of European form into domestic success. Though the Magpies will have to figure out how to perform without several key players: Bruno Guimarães, Fabian Schär, Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley will all be sidelined.
The key is former Merseyside man Anthony Gordon. He has been scorching hot in the Champions League, and will have to keep his focus playing his old team. They’ve placed a lot on the youngster’s shoulders this year, and will ask more of the same against the Toffees.
Everton have attacking problems of their own. So much of their offense was reliant on Jack Grealish’s creation from the outside; after his foot surgery, the Manchester City loanee is out for the remainder of the season. That puts a huge burden on their other creators to step up, and for the defense to stay locked in.
That hasn’t been a problem for a defense that is tied for fourth in total goals allowed. But they’re also tied for the fourth-fewest total goals scored. The onus is on young striker Thierno Barry to finish all of his chances, and for players like Iliman Ndiaye to make something out of nothing.
Everton tends to be the team that sets the tone. They buckle down defensively and play out of their own half. It hasn’t produced great results, especially without Grealish, but it leads to low totals and close games. Newcastle will find a way to win this one, but it won’t be pretty.
