The feel-good factor is back at Everton.
Sean Dyche’s men picked up their first win of the season on Saturday as they defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Dwight McNeil netted a brace for Everton and earned much of the plaudits, though, Jarrad Branthwaite’s exceptional display on his return from injury certainly went under the radar.
Everton have now moved out of the relegation zone and into 15th, so Dyche will be desperate to continue the momentum on Saturday as they take on Newcastle United.
With that said, the Magpies look set to be without one of their star players.
Newcastle likely to be without Alexander Isak vs Everton
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who was their top scorer last term, missed the 1-1 draw against Manchester City on the weekend through injury.
Eddie Howe has now admitted he’s likely to miss the clash against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, too.
Anthony Gordon started in place of the Newcastle ‘talisman’, per Chronicle Live, against City and scored from the spot after being brought down inside the penalty area.
So Gordon is expected to start in the number nine role once more on his return to Merseyside – where the reception is set to be hostile.
Everton have the wind in their sails
Everton head into this clash with momentum, unlike Newcastle.
The visitors were handed a bruising defeat by Fulham before their score draw against Man City on the weekend.
Newcastle haven’t been at their best by any means this season, so it’s set up to be a close-fought encounter.
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