This season has been a turning point for Everton. It all started with them getting just one point in their first five games, before improving their form.
They were then deducted 10 points for violating the Premier League's Financial Regulations and lost 3-0 at home to Man United. However, the 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest partly lifted the spirit of Sean Dyche's team.
On the other side of the front line, Newcastle also just had a minimal 1-0 victory over Man United, after losing to PSG in the Champions League. Anthony Gordon's only goal brought the Magpies 3 valuable points.
Everton have been excellent recently, winning five of their last six away games in all competitions. However, they need to improve their poor home record. Winning 3 of their first 4 home matches in the Premier League under Dyche, after which Everton have only won 2/12 of their most recent matches at Goodison Park. And both of those victories came against Bournemouth.
Everton have failed to score in their four Premier League home games this season. Meanwhile, all 8 of their goals at Goodison Park in all competitions were scored by 8 different players.
Excluding being deducted 10 points, only 23.5% of Everton's points this season have come from home matches. This is in complete contrast to last season, when 58.3% of their points came from Goodison Park.
The midweek game is not good news for Everton. They have lost their last four Premier League games in midweek. Notably, Everton's final midweek match was a 1-4 home defeat to Newcastle in April.
In contrast, Newcastle have won their last three Premier League games in midweek. However, Eddie Howe's side have been unlucky this season. They have won just one of their last nine away games. That was an 8-0 win over Sheffield United in September.
Despite being deducted points, Everton can still escape relegation if they beat Newcastle. Before that, Luton Town lost 3-4 to Arsenal and created an opportunity for Everton to take the lead.
In terms of personnel, Everton will still be without Dele Alli, while Amadou Onana has not played since last month due to calf problems. Up front, key striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is uncertain to play.
On the other side of the front line, Eddie Howe hopes Gordon will be fit enough to face his former club. Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also facing a long period of sideline, after suffering a shoulder injury last weekend.
Martin Dubravka could replace Pope in the near future, while Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, Dan Burn, Matt targett, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Sven Botman and Sandro Tonali are all unable to return.
The absence of Wilson is a big blow to Newcastle. The English striker has scored eight goals in his last eight Premier League away games and has scored four goals against Everton in the competition.
Everton have lost five of their last six Premier League games against Newcastle, as many as in their previous 24 meetings.
Newcastle scored a double against Everton last season. They won 1-0 at St James' Park in October, then continued to beat their opponents 4-1 at Goodison Park in April.
The match between Everton and Newcastle takes place at 2:30 am on December 8 (Vietnam time), live on K+.
