In a Premier League battle that feels like the clash of the underdogs, Everton and Newcastle are set to collide at Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 29, 2025. With both teams scraping by in the standings-Everton in 13th place with 15 points and Newcastle just behind at 14th with 12-the stakes couldn't be higher. A victory for either side could provide much-needed momentum to climb out of this relegation zone tussle. For both clubs, a failure here could feel like a smash-and-grab victory for their opponents-particularly damaging given their proximity in points.
Predicted Lineups
Expect to see Everton deploy their favored 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring GK: Jordan Pickford, DEF: Vitaliy Mykolenko, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, Séamus Coleman; MID: Idrissa Gueye, James Garner; Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye; and FWD: Beto. Meanwhile, Newcastle is likely to counter with a similar structure but may opt for an aggressive edge: GK: Nick Pope; DEF: Dan Burn, Fabian Schär, Malick Thiaw; MID: Valentino Livramento, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy; and a trio of Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon leading the line.
The Current Climate
Both teams arrive at this match with shaky recent form that tells contrasting stories. Everton eked out an unexpected yet crucial win against Manchester United (1-0) last weekend-a performance underscored by defensive resilience rather than attacking prowess. In stark contrast sits Newcastle's tumultuous run that culminated in a disheartening loss to Marseille (1-2) in the Champions League despite having more shots on target.
Everton's approach has primarily revolved around soaking up pressure and exploiting set pieces or defensive lapses from their opponents. Their last match showed them achieving just 37% possession against United yet still managing to secure all three points-a testament to their tactical discipline and focus on capitalizing on transitional moments.
For Newcastle, while they secured a significant win against Manchester City recently (2-1), they have oscillated between brilliance and mediocrity throughout the season. Their capacity for explosive attacking play-highlighted by Harvey Barnes' return to form with four goals already-gives them an edge when they manage to break through opposition defenses. However, inconsistency remains their Achilles heel as evidenced by matches where they've failed to convert scoring opportunities into goals-issues indicated by lower expected goals (xG) metrics compared to their actual output.
Statistical Insights
Looking deeper into stats from their recent performances sheds light on critical battles expected in this match. Everton's defensive record has been characterized by absorbing pressure-they currently rank highly in tackles won (22 per game). They thrive when allowing the opposition to overextend themselves defensively before striking back through rapid counters.
Contrastingly, Newcastle has shown vulnerability away from home particularly in defensive phases-their average pass accuracy of just 77% against stronger sides hints at communication breakdowns or forced errors leading to critical turnovers. If Everton can remain disciplined defensively and exploit these transitions effectively-utilizing players like Idrissa Gueye who boasts commendable tackle statistics-it could well shift the tide firmly in their favor.
When it comes down to shots fired versus shots on goal ratios (a pivotal metric), both teams show inconsistencies as well: Everton registered only three shots total against Manchester United while somehow managing two quality saves thanks largely to Pickford's heroics in goal during key moments of that match. Meanwhile, Newcastle had double the amount of total shots but faced consistent barriers converting chances under pressure-including reliance on player improvisation rather than structured build-up play.
The expected goals situation gives even more insight: while Everton displayed superior defensive metrics lately (averaging xG conceded below 1), Newcastle often falls prey when not dominating possession-sinking far below expectations in offensive productivity despite maintaining high shot counts due to lackluster finishing rates.
Tactical Showdown
This clash isn't just about positioning or numbers; it's about contrasting philosophies embodied by each manager's approach on gameday. Sean Dyche will instill his "defense-first" mentality amongst his squad while Eddie Howe pushes for fluid attacking movements guided through intricate passing sequences led by Bruno Guimarães' creative influence.
Expect players like Tarkowski holding firm at the back for Everton against Gordon's electrifying runs down the wing-with every duel vital for control over possession flowing through midfield exchanges where ball retention becomes essential amid mounting pressures from the opposition.
But make no mistake-the defining element might ultimately hinge upon how well either side capitalizes off turnovers or second balls post-fouls which both teams tend towards accumulating quickly-reflecting differences seen recently whereby fouls count closely mirrors individual duels won across each lineup indicating potential pressure points targeting specific opponents whilst keeping defenses alert for potential breakaways when transitioning quickly after winning key challenges mid-field!
Given this narrative thread spun together based on form analysis and current trends influencing performances lately-it appears both sides hover dangerously close beneath those relegation heights needing someone come out victorious here amidst palpable tension brewing ahead...
This brings me directly towards my prediction: I foresee Everton clinching this one-a tight-fisted tactical masterclass from Dyche's men utilizing home advantage pushing past inconsistency woes showcased via disciplined game management coupled alongside relentless defensive efforts complemented opportunistically enhanced goals stemming potentially from experience featured among attackers like Dewsbury-Hall stepping up late making waves within frantic closing stages!
So mark your calendars because come full-time-we'll find ourselves cheering anew for how crucial outcomes today resonate profoundly regarding overall survival heading deeper into seasons approaching holiday fixtures ahead!