Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United find themselves in this position because they failed to pick up three points against Arsenal in the previous round. It was always going to be a stern test, with the match taking place at the Emirates Stadium and the hosts determined to avoid being dragged into a late-season scramble for a Champions League spot. Arsenal's narrow win effectively secured their qualification for Europe's top competition and all but locked up second place. Now, Newcastle United simply need to see off an Everton side with little left to play for beyond pride.
Everton
Everton have already achieved their primary goal: top-flight survival. That objective was secured in the last round. Their match against Southampton marked the final game ever played at Goodison Park, which had served as Everton's home since 1892, just 14 years after the club was established in 1878. Next season, the team will move into a new, state-of-the-art stadium. In that historic farewell, the squad eased to a 2:0 win, with both goals coming before the interval, against a favourable opponent.
Newcastle United vs Everton Prediction
Over their last five matches against sides battling for Champions League qualification, Everton have struggled to impress. They recorded just one win — against Nottingham Forest, a team that has dropped points frequently — and salvaged a draw with Arsenal. The other three fixtures ended in defeat, though none by more than a two-goal margin (and only once by that margin). Given this track record, we expect Newcastle United to claim victory, though likely by a modest scoreline.
