Everton face another crucial game in their Premier League survival bid when they welcome Newcastle United to Goodison Park tonight.
The Toffees' perilous position has only worsened after they dropped into the relegation zone last weekend. With Nottingham Forest delivering a 3-1 victory over Brighton, coupled with Leeds United and Leicester City sharing a 1-1 draw, the Toffees are now two points adrift of safety.
Indeed, fans are beginning to worry about the precarious situation the club finds itself in. Everton have just six games remaining to avoid the drop into the Championship and time is at the essence to find the results that will pull them to safety.
The Blues haven't won in their past four games and face a Newcastle side who dismantled Tottenham 6-1 last time out.
Sean Dyche has a task on his hands if he's to engineer a surprise victory that will see his side move out of the drop zone.
Amadou Onana (groin) and Seamus Coleman (hamstring) are doubts although have been back ‘on the grass, accoring to Dyche. Meanwhile, Abdoulaye Doucoure is back from a three-game ban yet Mason Holgate is forced to serve a one-match suspension after he was sent off in the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.
With that in mind, here’s the Everton team we predict to face Newcastle.
5. LB - Vitaliy Mykolenko
Defensive credentials will be tested but the Ukraine international has shown in games against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool earlier in the season that he’s capable. | Getty Images
6. RW - Alex Iwobi
Featured in midfield at Palace but Iwobi may be restored to the position that Dyche has favoured him the most. | Getty Images
7. CM - Idrissa Gana Gueye
Went about his business well at Palace and will have to be on the front foot against a potent Newcastle engine room. | Getty Images
8. CM - Amadou Onana
The Belgium international sounds closer to fitness than Coleman after training last week. His energy and physicality will be a big boost. | Getty Images