EVERTON will attempt to arrest their Premier League slide when they entertain Newcastle at Goodison Park on Thursday night.
The Toffees relegation fears have intensified following a wretched run of four top-flight defeats on the trot.
The Merseysiders' most recent setback came against top-four hopefuls Wolves, who secured a 1-0 victory at the Blues' base courtesy of a Conor Coady header.
That latest loss has left Frank Lampard's side perched precariously above the drop zone so they will be desperate to put the brakes on their sleepwalk towards the trapdoor when Newcastle come to town.
The Toon were also at risk of tumbling out of the top-flight themselves, however, some astute January acquisitions and a number improved performances of late have eased those concerns.
Despite having their nine-game unbeaten run brought to an end in a last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last time out, Eddie Howe's side enter this contest with a nine point buffer over the bottom-three.
Outright Betting
Despite losing eight of their nine last nine Premier League games, Everton head into this fixture as 13/9 (SBK) favourites while a point apiece has been priced up at 12/5 (SBK).
Newcastle, who made light work of Everton in a 3-1 success at St James' Park last month, arrive in Merseyside as 39/19 (SBK) outsiders.
Betting Angles
There isn't a huge amount of appeal in the 1×2 market here but backing both teams to score and both teams to receive a card looks like an eye-catching alternative at even-money with Bet 365.
Both teams have struck in a league-high 18 of the Magpies' 28 Premier League games this season, including eight of their 14 outings when operating away from their north east headquarters.
Whilst the Toffees have looked toothless in attack in recent weeks, they have delivered successful both teams to score selections in 13 of their 26 (50%) Premier League contests this season so far.
What's more, Frank Lampard's side will likely go in desperate search of goals given their precarious league position, but the Blues brittle backline could struggle to shut out a Newcastle side that have notched in nine of their last 10 league games.
I'm therefore happy to side with each team getting on the scoresheet at Goodison Park on Thursday night, but to boost the odds, I'll also throw both teams to collect a card into the equation.
Both of these sides are ranked in top four of the disciplinary charts at this stage of the campaign, with Newcastle averaging 2.32 yellow cards per-game, while Everton's tally is ever so slightly lower at 2.12 per 90.
What's more, referee Craig Pawson has been one of the more card-happy operators in the Premier League this season, averaging 4.42 cards per-game, with the top tier whistler awarding both sides at least one booking in each of his 19 Premier League assignments this season.
One player who could be worth considering for a caution is Everton right-back Seamus Coleman who has priced up at 5/1 (UniBet) to have his name taken.
The Everton captain could be handed the thankless task of trying to tame tricky Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who's lightning speed continues to cause opposition defenders all sorts of problems.
This English Premier League match between Everton and Newcastle United will be played on Mar 17, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Everton vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
