Everton vs Newcastle United - Match Preview
Everton take on Newcastle United at Goodison Park this afternoon, with both sides having everything to play for.
Everton take on Newcastle United at Goodison Park this afternoon, with both sides having everything to play for. Everton are looking to finish above their Merseyside rivals Liverpool for only the third time in Premier League history and Newcastle know if they win here and other results go their way, they will finish in the top four and a possible Champions League spot. Kick-off time is at 3pm and the match won't be screened live anywhere in the UK. Everton have injury concerns over Leighton Baines (missing for the past month with a groin injury), Phil Neville and Darron Gibson for today's game. All be assessed before kick-off, the latter two former Man United players having taken knocks in last week's draw at Wolves. Jack Rodwell (hamstring) and Victor Anichebe (groin) are both out for today's game. For Newcastle, right-back Danny Simpson is again out and the ever improving James Perch will fill in. Newcastle are expected to be unchanged from the side who fielded against Manchester City last weekend. Striker Leon Best has not travelled because of a thigh strain and still sidelined are Steven Taylor (Achilles), Peter Lovenkrands (whose contract runs out at the end of the season and has probably played his last game for the club), Sammy Ameobi (who is back in training after his knee problem) and Haris Vuckic remain unavailable. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will once again be without full-back Danny Simpson. The full-back will miss out with the ankle problem which has sidelined him for the last two games, while striker Leon Best will also not travel because of a thigh strain. Midfielder Sammy Ameobi (knee) is stepping up his training and only central defender Steven Taylor (Achilles) is still on the long-term injury list.