- They’ve met 164 times in all competitions, Everton winning 65, Newcastle 64 and 35 draws
- Everton haven’t lost at Goodison Park in 2013, (8-0-3)
- The Toffees have averaged the most possession in the Premier League this season (59.4%)
Everton stand alone in the Premier League, as the only team still unbeaten.
But will they come undone at home to Newcastle (3pm ET, watch live on NBCSN and online via NBC Sports Live Extra) on Monday at Goodison Park?
Roberto Martinez has overseen a seamless transition from the David Moyes era, as Everton have won two and drawn three of their opening five games, in a solid start to the 2013-14 season. And they will be hoping to extend their terrific home form against a Newcastle side who’ve only won once in their last 21 visits to Merseyside, and do not travel well.
Alan Pardew’s men have only won three of their last 22 away games in the Premier League, and after a disappointing home defeat to Hull City last weekend, the Magpies need a good response.
The last time these two meet was last season in January, as Everton beat Newcastle 2-1 at St. James’ Park thanks to a stunning free kick from Leighton Baines.
In term of teams news, Gareth Barry is in-line to make his 500th Premier League appearance if selected by Martinez, with only 10 other players reaching that landmark in PL history. While Darron Gibson is hoping to overcome a knee injury. For Newcastle, Steven Taylor and Shola Ameobi could be fit to return, by Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez is still out with a hamstring injury.
What they’re saying
Roberto Martinez on Newcastle lack of summer signings: “They made their business early with the loan of Remy and after that they didn’t sign anyone. It seemed from the outside that they didn’t do good business, but the reality is the squad has been strong since January. They made a lot of good signings and that group of players are settled. I see a really good balance between experience and organization, but then a real threat with the likes of Remy, (Papiss) Cisse, (Hatem) Ben Arfa, (Yohan) Cabaye. You’re talking about top, top footballers who are in a good moment in their careers and full internationals. You take away the Manchester City game and they’ve been performing at a very, very good level, so it would be foolish for anyone to underestimate the potential of this Newcastle side.”
Alan Pardew on the importance of captain Fabio Coloccini: “I don’t know how to put that into words, really. He is very, very important, a very steady, calming influence. Last year when he wasn’t playing, there was something missing from the team. That’s why it’s so important that he stayed, and hopefully he will stay for a lot longer than this year as well. We have got a new back four this year because Mapou has played all year, and Colo, Mathieu and Davide (Santon),” said Pardew. That’s been our back four, with (goalkeeper) Tim (Krul), quite settled. Thank goodness, and long may that continue.”
Prediction
Everton’s home record has been immense in recent years, and Newcastle’s away form has been woeful. But let’s throw the form book out the window, because who thought West Brom would beat Manchester United and Man City would lose at Aston Villa over the weekend? But with a fired up crowd under the lights at Goodison Park, Martinez’ side should thrive and attack Newcastle from the start. I can see a tight win for the Toffees, or maybe the Magpies will nick a draw. Nah, Everton win.