This weekend, we’ve got a clash between two teams at opposite ends of the table: Newcastle and Everton. The vibe around these matches is always electric, and this one is no exception, especially considering the dramatic turns both teams have experienced lately.
Let’s talk about Newcastle first. Coming off a thrilling 4-3 victory over West Ham, Eddie Howe’s squad has really found their rhythm, currently sitting in eighth place in the league. It’s been a rollercoaster, but after their latest win, they’re just a whisper away from seventh place, trailing the Hammers by a mere point and with a game in hand. It’s impressive, but not without its concerns, especially considering the injury issues plaguing the team. Yet, they’re in a good spot to aim for the top seven, and this weekend’s game could propel them even further up the table. Of course, the flip side is a loss could allow other teams to tighten the league race.
Now, over to the Toffees. Things are looking grim down in Evertonville. They are entrenched in a relegation scrap, fighting tooth and nail to maintain their top-flight status. Even with a six-point deduction hanging over them, they’ve managed to stay three points clear of the drop zone, albeit having played one game less than their closest rivals. Their recent 2-1 loss to Bournemouth, courtesy of a late own goal, was a tough pill to swallow, leaving them desperate for points to widen the gap from the relegation zone.
Fun fact โ the last time Everton won there was back in December 2019! Looking at the stats, it doesn’t get much better for Everton. Newcastle have been on fire at home, winning six out of their last ten and scoring at least two goals in seven of those. Meanwhile, Everton haven’t won a single game in their last twelve!
Diving into the stats offers some fascinating insights:
- Newcastle has a strong track record of scoring, with 2 or more goals in 7 of their last 10 home matches.
- At home, they’ve won 6 out of 10 and haven’t faced defeat in their last 4.
- Everton’s form has been shaky, to say the least, with no wins in their last 12 matches and a tendency to concede 2 or more goals in away games.
Given this context, it’s not surprising that Newcastle is tipped as the clear favorite for this match. Their striker, Alexander Isak, has been nothing short of sensational, netting 14 goals this season. The odds seem to lean towards a Newcastle win, with predictions favoring a 1-0 or 2-0 scoreline.
On the other side, Everton is seen as the underdog, with odds reflecting their tough position. However, football always has room for surprises, and a high-scoring match isn’t off the table, with both teams to score standing at a 62.5% probability according to the bookies.
In essence, it’s set to be a compelling match, with Newcastle expected to secure a comfortable victory against an Everton side that’s been struggling to find form. But as we all know, the beautiful game is full of surprises, and I’ll be watching closely to see how this clash unfolds.