Two Everton stars walking a tightrope v Newcastle, including Dyche’s best player

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Everton will be hoping to maintain their fine form tonight, but know that it will be far from easy to claim all three points against Newcastle United.

Especially given the nature of the game, which many are touting to be a full-blooded affair between two outfits who have forged a strange disliking of late.

With the Toffees merely scrambling for survival, and Eddie Howe boasting ambitions of another Champions League finish, the two are worlds apart at the moment.

And yet, there is every chance that Sean Dyche could still walk away with the win.

However, with an equally gruelling fixture against Chelsea on the weekend, the 52-year-old will have one eye on Mauricio Pochettino’s unpredictable outfit who were bullied by Manchester United just last night.

Therefore, he will want to ensure his side remains disciplined, so he can still send out a full-strength side on Sunday.

Which Everton players are at risk of being suspended vs Newcastle United?

The worry for Dyche is that two of his stars are actually at risk of suspension for that clash, having picked up four yellow cards so far in the Premier League.

What makes things worse is that these are two of his key men, and to lose one, or both, could prove catastrophic for their next home match.

It would be easy to assume that Jarrad Branthwaite is perhaps the asset most at risk, given his position does dictate the occasional bout of aggression.

However, the 21-year-old star can feel aggrieved given some of his bookings earlier in the term were somewhat harsh. Committing just 1.3 fouls per game suggests he might be safe though.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, on the other hand, is far from it, with his work in pressing from the front instrumental in Dyche’s system. Without him, there is arguably nobody who can fulfil such a role.

Not to mention that the Mali international is Everton’s current top scorer too, with four Premier League goals.

The £130k-per-week maestro has been reborn under the new regime, having admitted his enjoyment.

His work rate and goalscoring prowess could prove pivotal in any success enjoyed tonight, but in the same breath, any booking might see the Toffees forfeit their chance of a win against Chelsea.