Everton vs Newcastle United Match Preview – Premier League 2025/26

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT (5:30 PM)
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, England
Competition: Premier League – Matchday 13
Referee: TBC

Match Overview

The brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium hosts a crucial Premier League encounter as Everton welcome Newcastle United in a fixture that carries significant implications for both clubs’ contrasting ambitions. This meeting pits mid-table stability against relegation anxiety, with David Moyes’ resurgent Toffees seeking to continue their remarkable turnaround while Eddie Howe’s Magpies desperately need away points to escape the bottom half.

Everton occupy 11th position with 23 points from 12 matches, their transformation under David Moyes representing one of the season’s most compelling narratives. The Scottish manager’s January return—taking over when Everton sat 16th and one point above relegation—has yielded remarkable improvement, including three consecutive Premier League wins that moved them within four points of Champions League qualification. The 2-0 victory over Fulham before the international break, featuring goals from Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane, showcased the defensive solidity and attacking efficiency that has characterized Moyes’ second spell.

Newcastle United find themselves in 14th position with 17 points from 12 matches, their campaign defined by alarming inconsistency between domestic and European competitions. While they’re thriving in the Champions League—sitting in automatic qualification spots—and reached the Carabao Cup final, their Premier League form has been catastrophic. Zero away wins from six matches, just two points above the relegation zone before beating Manchester City 2-1 last weekend, and back-to-back 3-1 defeats at West Ham and Brentford before that victory had placed Eddie Howe under intense scrutiny. The City triumph provided temporary respite, but immediate consistency is required to ease relegation fears.

The tactical battle promises fascinating contrasts: Moyes’ pragmatic organization versus Howe’s attacking intent, Everton’s home fortress mentality versus Newcastle’s away-day vulnerability, and mid-table consolidation versus relegation escape. Can Everton extend their winning streak and establish themselves as European contenders? Can Newcastle build on their City victory and finally secure consecutive away points? With both managers under different forms of pressure and contrasting form trajectories, this encounter promises intensity, quality, and potentially definitive moments in both clubs’ campaigns.

Current Form Analysis

Everton Form

Premier League: W-W-W-L-W (Last 5 matches, 11th position with 23 points)
Overall: W-W-W-L-W-L (Last 6 matches including cups)
Home Record: Excellent at new stadium—strong start to Hill Dickinson era
Recent Momentum: Won final match at Goodison, now building at new home

Everton’s season represents a tale of two halves: crisis under Sean Dyche followed by renaissance under David Moyes. When Moyes returned on January 11th, Everton were 16th with just one point above the relegation zone, having won just three matches all season. His impact has been transformational—seven wins from his opening 19 matches across all competitions demonstrated immediate tactical and psychological improvements.

The statistics reveal Everton’s resurgence: three consecutive Premier League victories before the international break, including triumphs over Tottenham (3-2), Brighton (2-0), and Fulham (2-0). These wins weren’t fortunate—they reflected improved defensive organization, clinical finishing, and growing confidence throughout the squad. The Fulham victory particularly impressed, with Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane scoring either side of halftime to secure comfortable three points.

Most remarkably, Everton have won the Premier League Manager of the Month award for February 2025 under Moyes, with the team remaining unbeaten throughout that entire month. Their undefeated league run continued until a 1-0 loss to Liverpool on April 2nd, showcasing sustained excellence rather than temporary momentum. This consistency has propelled them to 11th position, just four points from Champions League qualification spots—a remarkable achievement given their January predicament.

Defensively, Everton have been exceptional under Moyes. Jordan Pickford has rediscovered his best form, while the backline featuring James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and Vitaliy Mykolenko has developed understanding and discipline. The emphasis on defensive organization—maintaining compact shapes, denying space between lines, and limiting opponent chances—has been crucial to their improvement.

Offensively, Everton have discovered goals from unexpected sources. While lacking a prolific striker, they’ve scored through midfielders (Gueye, Carlos Alcaraz), defenders (Keane), and various attackers contributing regularly. This variety makes them difficult to predict tactically and demonstrates the collective responsibility Moyes has instilled.

The move to Hill Dickinson Stadium added another subplot. After their emotional final season at Goodison Park—where they secured a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on the final day last May—Everton have embraced their new 53,000-capacity home. Early results suggest they’ve transferred fortress mentality to the new venue, creating intimidating atmospheres that unsettle visiting teams.

Newcastle United Form

Premier League: W-L-L-W-L (Last 5 matches, 14th position with 17 points)
Overall: W-W-L-L-W (Last 5 matches all competitions)
Away Record: Catastrophic—0 wins from 6 away matches, 3 draws, 3 losses
Critical Position: Two points above relegation zone before Man City win

Newcastle’s campaign has been defined by extraordinary contradictions. In European competition, they’re exceptional—automatic Champions League qualification spots, comprehensive victories over quality opponents, and defensive solidity. Domestically, they’ve been disastrous—14th position, zero away wins, and defensive collapses that have placed Eddie Howe under unprecedented pressure during his four-year tenure.

The statistics tell a disturbing story: zero away Premier League wins this season from six matches represents crisis-level performance. Their only away points came from draws, while defeats at West Ham (3-1) and Brentford (3-1) showcased alarming defensive vulnerabilities. The pattern is consistent—Newcastle compete well for periods before defensive lapses and individual errors prove costly.

However, their recent 2-1 home victory over Manchester City provided genuine hope. Defeating the defending champions demonstrated Newcastle possess quality and resilience when performing to capabilities. Goals from Joe Willock and Alexander Isak showcased attacking threat, while defensive organization frustrated City’s possession-based dominance for extended periods. This result must serve as the foundation for sustained improvement.

Eddie Howe faces mounting pressure despite his remarkable achievements. Leading Newcastle to Champions League qualification last season, ending their 56-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup, and transforming them into European regulars earned him legendary status. However, current league form has tested supporter patience, with PIF (Public Investment Fund) owners reportedly concerned about performances despite maintaining public support.

The injury crisis has significantly impacted squad depth and tactical flexibility. Full-backs Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth remain sidelined, forcing Tino Livramento into extended minutes despite returning from injury. Attacking injuries have limited options, while goalkeeper Nick Pope—despite Champions League excellence—has shown vulnerability in Premier League fixtures, with defensive confidence appearing to drain as matches progress.

Howe’s tactical approach emphasizes high pressing, quick transitions, and attacking intent through width. However, defensive organization has deteriorated dramatically, with Newcastle conceding easily preventable goals through individual errors and collective disorganization. The challenge for Howe is maintaining attacking principles while restoring defensive solidity that characterized last season’s Champions League qualification campaign.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Premier League Meetings: 28
Everton Wins: 14
Draws: 5
Newcastle Wins: 9

Most Recent Meeting:

• Newcastle 0-1 Everton (May 25, 2025) – Carlos Alcaraz header secured victory on final day

The head-to-head record favors Everton, with 14 victories from 28 Premier League encounters demonstrating their historical superiority. However, recent meetings have been competitive, with narrow margins separating the sides and both clubs experiencing periods of dominance.

The most recent encounter—Everton’s 1-0 victory at St. James’ Park on the final day of last season—holds particular significance. Carlos Alcaraz’s 65th-minute header from Vitaliy Mykolenko’s cross secured three points that helped David Moyes’ side finish 13th, while Newcastle squeezed into Champions League qualification despite the defeat, finishing fifth on goal difference ahead of Aston Villa.

That match showcased Everton’s defensive resilience and Newcastle’s attacking frustrations. Jordan Pickford made several crucial saves, while Newcastle dominated possession (65%) yet couldn’t convert territorial advantage into goals. The psychological scars from that defeat—where Champions League qualification hung in the balance—may linger for Newcastle players returning to face the same opponents.

Everton will draw confidence from recent success, knowing they’ve already defeated this Newcastle side in a high-pressure environment. Newcastle must overcome not only Everton’s quality but also mental barriers from their previous meeting, making their task even more challenging.

Team News and Injuries

Everton

Definitely Out:

• Jarrad Branthwaite (Injury) – Yet to make competitive appearance this season, continues recovery
• Merlin Röhl (Injury) – Midfielder unavailable
• Nathan Patterson (Injury) – Right-back sidelined

Key Players Available:

• Jordan Pickford (Goalkeeper) – England international in excellent form
• James Tarkowski (Defender, Captain) – Defensive leader and organizational quality
• Idrissa Gueye (Midfielder) – Recent goal-scorer, defensive screen
• Carlos Alcaraz (Midfielder) – Scored winner vs Newcastle last season
• Iliman Ndiaye (Forward) – Attacking threat and creativity
• Dwight McNeil (Winger) – Set-piece quality and delivery

Everton’s injury concerns are relatively modest, with Jarrad Branthwaite’s continued absence representing their most significant loss. The center-back, easily one of their best players, hasn’t appeared competitively this season due to pre-season injury. His absence has forced Michael Keane and James Tarkowski into extended partnerships, though both have performed admirably under Moyes’ defensive organization.

Jordan Pickford’s availability and form are crucial. The England international has rediscovered his best form under Moyes, combining shot-stopping excellence with commanding presence and improved distribution. His performance in the final-day victory over Newcastle last season—making multiple crucial saves—demonstrated his capacity to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Carlos Alcaraz provides emotional and tactical significance. His header secured victory when these sides last met, creating psychological advantage and tactical blueprint for success. The midfielder’s energy, creativity, and goal-scoring threat from advanced positions make him perpetually dangerous.

Newcastle United

Definitely Out:

• Kieran Trippier (Injury) – Experienced right-back sidelined
• Emil Krafth (Injury) – Defensive depth reduced

Doubtful:

• Various minor knocks following Champions League exertions

Key Players Available:

• Nick Pope (Goalkeeper) – First-choice shot-stopper despite recent concerns
• Tino Livramento (Defender) – Recently returned from injury, limited rest opportunity
• Malick Thiaw (Defender) – Emerging as player of season contender after pocketing Haaland
• Bruno Guimarães (Midfielder, Captain) – Brazilian international, creative hub
• Alexander Isak (Striker) – Leading goal-scorer, clinical finisher
• Joe Willock (Midfielder) – Recent goal-scorer vs Manchester City

Newcastle’s injury concerns focus primarily on defensive depth, with both senior right-backs unavailable. Tino Livramento has only just returned from injury but faces relentless fixture congestion with little opportunity for rest. His fitness and form will be tested against Everton’s attacking threats.

Malick Thiaw has emerged as Newcastle’s standout performer, with his defensive masterclass against Erling Haaland—completely pocketing the Norwegian phenomenon—earning widespread praise. The on-loan AC Milan defender has brought organizational quality and defensive intelligence that Newcastle desperately needed.

Alexander Isak’s fitness and form are paramount. The Swedish striker needs just one more goal to reach a personal milestone, adding individual motivation to collective ambitions. His movement, clinical finishing, and ability to create chances from limited service make him Newcastle’s primary attacking threat.

Eddie Howe faces rotation challenges following midweek Champions League exertions at Marseille. Balancing European ambitions with desperate need for Premier League points creates tactical dilemmas about whether to rest key players or maintain momentum from the Manchester City victory.

Tactical Analysis

Everton’s Defensive Organization

David Moyes has implemented his trademark pragmatic system emphasizing defensive solidity, compact shapes, and clinical finishing from limited opportunities. Everton typically deploy a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation depending on opponent quality, prioritizing defensive stability over expansive possession-based play.

Against Newcastle’s expected attacking intent, Everton will likely sit in a compact mid-block, denying space between lines and forcing opponents wide where crossing opportunities can be defended through aerial dominance. The defensive line maintains discipline, rarely caught isolated, while midfielders provide screening protection and track opponent runs relentlessly.

Set-pieces represent a genuine weapon. Dwight McNeil’s delivery quality from dead-ball situations combined with physical presence from Tarkowski, Keane, and others creates goal-scoring opportunities that have yielded results throughout Moyes’ tenure. Against Newcastle’s occasionally vulnerable aerial defending, corners and free-kicks might represent their best route to goal.

Transitions offer another attacking outlet. When winning possession, Everton seek immediate forward passes targeting pace in behind or direct balls exploiting Newcastle’s high defensive line. This directness creates goal-scoring opportunities from limited possession, with clinical finishing crucial to converting rare chances.

Expected Everton Tactics:

• 4-4-2 formation with defensive emphasis
• Compact mid-block denying central spaces
• Aggressive pressing when specific triggers identified
• Direct transitions targeting space in behind
• Set-piece emphasis exploiting physical advantages
• Defensive discipline maintaining shape for 90 minutes

Newcastle’s Attacking Ambition

Eddie Howe has constructed an attacking-minded system emphasizing high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting width through pace and movement. Newcastle typically deploy a 4-3-3 formation with attacking intent as the core principle, though defensive vulnerabilities persist as the price for offensive ambition.

Against Everton’s expected defensive approach, Newcastle will dominate possession, creating chances through patient build-up and exploiting spaces when Everton commit forward. Their pressing intensity forces errors from opponents attempting to build from the back, though Everton’s directness might bypass this pressing altogether.

Alexander Isak’s movement and finishing ability provide the constant goal-scoring threat that defines elite strikers. His intelligent runs in behind, physical presence, and clinical finishing create multiple chances when supplied adequately. Bruno Guimarães orchestrates attacks from deeper positions, combining defensive screening with progressive passing that initiates transitions.

However, defensive vulnerabilities persist. Newcastle’s high defensive line and aggressive pressing create spaces in behind that pacy opponents exploit through direct running. Everton’s counter-attacking threat and physical forwards could expose these gaps, particularly if Newcastle commit too many resources forward seeking goals.

Expected Newcastle Tactics:

• 4-3-3 formation with attacking emphasis
• High defensive line compressing play
• Aggressive pressing forcing defensive errors
• Quick transitions targeting pace in behind
• Isak leading line with intelligent movement
• Wide players providing directness and creativity

Key Tactical Battle

The central confrontation revolves around Everton’s defensive organization versus Newcastle’s attacking quality. Can Everton maintain defensive discipline under sustained pressure for 90+ minutes? Can Newcastle demonstrate patience and creativity to break down a well-drilled defensive block? The team imposing their preferred game state will likely emerge victorious.

Key Individual Battles

Carlos Alcaraz vs Bruno Guimarães

The midfield duel between last season’s match-winner and Newcastle’s captain defines this encounter. Alcaraz’s energy, forward runs, and goal-scoring threat face Guimarães’ defensive intelligence, ball-winning ability, and progressive passing. If Alcaraz finds space and rhythm, Everton gain attacking momentum. If Guimarães controls tempo and shuts down transitions, Newcastle dominate proceedings.

James Tarkowski vs Alexander Isak

Everton’s defensive leader faces Newcastle’s clinical striker in the physical and tactical battle that determines goal-scoring opportunities. Tarkowski’s organizational quality, aerial dominance, and reading of the game must neutralize Isak’s movement, pace, and finishing ability. If Isak finds space and service, his quality creates goals. If Tarkowski marshals him effectively, Newcastle lose their primary attacking outlet.

Jordan Pickford vs Newcastle’s Attack

Pickford faces his former club with point to prove and opportunity to demonstrate England credentials. His shot-stopping, commanding presence, and distribution will be tested by Newcastle’s attacking quality. If Pickford delivers another man-of-the-match performance like last season’s final day, Everton likely secure points. If Newcastle overwhelm him, their attacking variety could yield multiple goals.

Statistical Insights and Betting Context

Scoring Patterns

Everton:

• Recent form: Scored 7 goals in last 3 Premier League wins
• First-half strength: Moyes’ side excel before halftime
• Set-piece threat with physical presence
• Multiple goal-scorers providing variety

Newcastle:

• Away scoring struggles: Limited goals on the road
• Home/away split dramatic: Excellent at St. James’, poor away
• Isak primary threat with clinical finishing
• Defensive vulnerability: Conceded regularly in away matches

Match Outcome Probabilities

Betting markets favor Newcastle marginally at approximately 2.30-2.50 odds, with Everton priced around 2.80-3.00 and the draw at 3.20-3.40. These odds reflect competitive balance while acknowledging Newcastle’s theoretical quality advantage despite away-day struggles.

Under 2.5 goals appears likely given Everton’s defensive solidity and Newcastle’s away-day scoring difficulties. Both teams’ recent form suggests a tight, cagey encounter where defensive organization prevails.

Correct Score Prediction

Everton 1-1 Newcastle United

This scoreline reflects the competitive balance, contrasting form trajectories, and tactical stalemate likely to develop. Everton will control proceedings through defensive organization and home advantage, creating limited but quality chances. Newcastle will dominate possession without converting territorial advantage into goals.

Both sides will score—Newcastle through Isak’s clinical finishing from rare opportunity, Everton through set-piece or transition moment. The draw reflects current dynamics: Everton’s defensive solidity preventing defeat, Newcastle’s away-day vulnerability preventing victory. Both managers will view this result differently—Moyes satisfied with point against quality opposition, Howe frustrated by continued away-day struggles.

Final Verdict

Prediction: Everton 1-1 Newcastle United

A competitive, tactical encounter will yield a draw that satisfies neither manager but reflects current circumstances accurately. Everton’s home advantage and defensive organization meet Newcastle’s quality and desperate need for away points, creating a fascinating stalemate.

Why a Draw is Most Likely:

1. Newcastle’s Away Vulnerability: Zero away wins from six matches demonstrates systematic issues
2. Everton’s Home Strength: Defensive solidity under Moyes creates fortress mentality
3. Tactical Stalemate: Everton’s organization frustrates Newcastle’s attacking patterns
4. Recent History: Everton won last meeting 1-0 through defensive resilience
5. Contrasting Pressures: Different motivations create cautious approaches

Key Factors:

• Newcastle’s catastrophic away record (0 wins from 6 matches)
• Everton’s three consecutive Premier League wins
• Previous meeting: Everton won 1-0 at Newcastle (May 2025)
• Moyes’ defensive organization vs Howe’s attacking intent
• Hill Dickinson Stadium’s new home advantage
• Newcastle two points above relegation zone before City win
• Both teams managing different forms of pressure

The 1-1 draw reflects competitive balance—Everton’s home strength preventing Newcastle victory, Newcastle’s quality preventing Everton dominance. Both sides demonstrate their respective qualities while acknowledging opponent threats, creating a tactical stalemate that leaves both managers with mixed emotions about the outcome.