The Premier League's early pace-setters Everton will be hoping to return to winning ways when they travel to Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Toffees lost for the first time this season when Southampton beat them 2-0 last weekend, on the same day that the Magpies drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Match preview
It was an out-of-character performance from Carlo Ancelotti's side against the Saints, and to make matters worse they had Lucas Digne sent off in the second half.
Everton have now conceded at least twice in four of their past five Premier League games as questions continue to be asked of Jordan Pickford.
The fixture on the South Coast was also the first time that their attack has drawn a blank, having been otherwise excellent so far this season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin ranks second in the Premier League's scoring charts with seven goals, while James Rodriguez has settled quickly into life on Merseyside with three goals and three assists.
Fellow summer signings Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure have also massively improved Everton's side and supporters are now dreaming of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2005.
Newcastle left it late to snatch a point against Wolves, with Jacob Murphy – starting in the Premier League for the first time since December 2018 – equalising with a free kick in the 89th-minute.
Steve Bruce's team have not kept a league clean sheet since the opening day of the season and have conceded eight goals in three home games.
Their two league defeats have both come at St James' Park and they have been comfortably beaten on each occasion – 3-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion and 4-1 against Manchester United.
On the plus side, they have scored in eight of their nine matches in all competitions and will fancy their chances of netting against a shaky Everton defence.
Newcastle have won just twice in the last 15 meetings between these two sides, but both of those victories did come on home turf. There has not been a goalless draw in this fixture since 2009.
Newcastle United Premier League form: WLDWLD
Newcastle United form (all competitions): WDDWLD
Everton Premier League form: WWWWDL
Everton form (all competitions): WWWWDL
Team News
Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles is a doubt for the game after being forced off against Wolves with a foot injury.
However the midfield trio of Sean Longstaff, Matty Longstaff and Isaac Hayden are back available after spending time on the sidelines.
That should allow Miguel Almiron and Ryan Fraser to play further up the field, although Fraser may be rested as Steve Bruce continues to carefully manage the Scot's fitness.
This is the only game that Lucas Digne will miss after his suspension was reduced from three matches. Teenager Niels Nkounkou is expected to make his Premier League debut in his place at left-back.
Richarlison is still banned, while Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that James Rodriguez will be left out to solve a "little problem" ahead of Manchester United's visit to Goodison Park next weekend.
Jonjoe Kenny is fit again after an ankle injury and is contention to start at right-back after Ben Godfrey struggled last week in Seamus Coleman's absence.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Darlow; Schar, Lascelles, Fernandez; Murphy, Hendrick, Hayden, Lewis; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Kenny, Mina, Keane, Nkounkou; Doucoure, Allan, Gomes; Bernard, Calvert-Lewin, Iwobi
We say: Newcastle United 1-2 Everton
Both sides are vulnerable defensively so goals are likely in this one. Newcastle's home form is a little worrying and even though Everton will miss the influence of Rodriguez, the Toffees should still come out on top as they aim to get back on track after two games without a win.
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