The three key battles facing Sean Dyche and his Everton side v Newcastle United

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Everton face Newcastle on Thursday night in a game which could see Sean Dyche’s side leave the relegation zone with a win.

Sean Dyche faces a tough task when his side welcome Newcastle United on Thursday night. Newcastle as a side in the Champions League won’t be an easy game, but Everton have reasons to be confident.

Newcastle won’t be at full strength given their injuries and upcoming important Continental games, which should give Everton a boost in their chances.

On top of this, Everton will be hoping to replicate the solid display they put in against Nottingham Forest over the weekend.

But in the game, there are three key battles which could decide the outcome of the tie for Everton.

Dwight McNeil vs Kieran Trippier

First up is linked with Everton’s attacking threat and primarily Dwight McNeil who was immense against Forest over the weekend.

But in this game, he will come up against Newcastle’s captain and £12m man Kieran Trippier who proves a tough task for even the greatest wingers.

McNeil will want to continue impressing and if he can get the best of his marker here, he will have made a fan of many in the fanbase and he could give The Toffees a huge chance of success.

James Garner vs Bruno Guimares

In central midfield is where a lot of games are inevitably won, and tonight will be no different with James Garner facing the tough task of dealing with Bruno Guimares.

The Brazilian is undoubtedly one of the best in the Premier League and Garner will have a massive job on his hands. However, the Englishman has already shown himself capable of performing at the highest level this season.

It’s difficult to bet against Garner and if he can triumph over Guimaraes, Everton could be in for a successful night.

Seamus Coleman vs Anthony Gordon

The final battle we will be watching out for is the recently returned Seamus Coleman who we predicted to start over Ashley Young.

On the hands of the 35-year-old will be boyhood Toffee Anthony Gordon on the return to the stadium he made his name at.

Gordon has begrudgingly been in top form for Newcastle lately and will be the key man to stop here for Everton if they are to deny Newcastle.