Two sides heading in opposite directions in the Premier League table do battle at Goodison Park on Thursday, as Everton play host to Newcastle United.

The Toffees went down 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the weekend's fixtures, while Eddie Howe's men lost to Chelsea by the same scoreline.

Match preview

A club of Everton's stature playing Championship football seemed inconceivable only a few years ago, but the Toffees are at a real risk of demotion to the second tier now, with Frank Lampard so far failing to inspire his side to drag themselves away from danger.

With their forwards failing to fire and a distinct lack of resilience in the defensive third, Everton slumped to their fourth Premier League defeat on the bounce during the visit of Wolves, as Conor Coady headed home the only goal of the contest in the 49th minute before any hopes of a Toffees comeback were dashed following Jonjoe Kenny's red card.

The Merseyside giants remain above the relegation zone by the skin of their teeth in 17th place, but their survival destiny is still in their own hands, as Lampard's men sit level on points with 18th-placed Watford having played three fewer matches.

Gleaning positive results in those games in hand could prove the difference between Premier League and Championship football next season for Everton, whose only saving grace in the past few weeks has been the FA Cup, as Lampard's side are pointless and scoreless in their last four top-flight matches.

It is now eight defeats from their last nine Premier League games as the threat of relegation looms, although five of Everton's six league wins this season have come on home soil, and Newcastle's momentum took a slight hit over the weekend too.

With Chelsea dealing with their unprecedented circumstances off the pitch and Newcastle enjoying a major revival after their January transfer business, the travelling Magpies faithful may have felt optimistic about the long journey being worthwhile with a point or three.

However, after an infuriated Newcastle were not awarded a penalty for a seemingly blatant tug of Jacob Murphy's shirt by Trevoh Chalobah, the Blues were indebted to Kai Havertz as the German attacker took the ball down expertly before firing home in the 89th minute.

The Magpies certainly gave the European champions a good run for their money at their West London home, though, and Howe's side have staved off the threat of relegation by rising to 14th in the rankings - safely nine clear of the dreaded dotted line.

Now looking up the table rather than over their shoulder, Newcastle took 20 points from 24 on offer before coming unstuck at Stamford Bridge, and the Magpies have not conceded more than one goal in a top-flight away match since the turn of the year.

A 3-1 victory at St James' Park just over a month ago marked Newcastle's third Premier League win on the bounce against Everton, and not since April 2018 have the Toffees beaten the Magpies on their own turf, and not many bets will be placed on Lampard's side ending that winless streak here.

Team News

Everton defender Kenny takes his place on the naughty step after his sending off in the win over Wolves, with Michael Keane primed to come back into the defence to deputise for his suspended teammate.

Tom Davies, Fabian Delph and Yerry Mina continue their spells out of action, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is classed as a major doubt after missing the Wolves defeat due to illness.

Lampard may seek to freshen up the midfield with the introductions of Dele Alli or Allan this week, as Demarai Gray, Richarlison and Anthony Gordon desperately attempt to end the Toffees' barren scoreless streak.

As for the visitors, Kieran Trippier, Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden and Callum Wilson are all recovering from their long-term issues, but Federico Fernandez has trained normally and may come into contention.

Howe was left short in midfield against Chelsea with Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock (both illness) and Joelinton (groin) all absent. Willock has a strong chance of returning, but a late call will be made on Joelinton, and Shelvey is still a major doubt.

Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff will expect to hold their spots in the middle either way, as Allan Saint-Maximin hopes to displace either Miguel Almiron or Murphy in the attack.

Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey; Allan, Doucoure, Alli; Gordon, Richarlison, Gray

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin

We say: Everton 0-2 Newcastle United

It is extremely difficult to back Everton with any real conviction at the moment - especially amid Calvert Lewin's fitness woes - while Newcastle are only on an upward trajectory.

A potential lack of midfield options could spell danger for the visitors, but we can still see Newcastle getting their revival back on track as Everton's relegation fears deepen.

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