Newcastle predicted line-up vs. Everton: seven changes made as big calls made on Isak and Pope

Newcastle United travel to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon with Eddie Howe looking for a first Premier League win in three attempts – but the Magpies have a host of potential injury issues, with no fewer than ten first-team players either out or doubts for the game against Everton.

Alexander Isak, Fabian Schär and goalkeeper Nick Pope are among the big names who could be unavailable for the match on Merseyside against Sean Dyche’s struggling side, with several late fitness tests likely to take place before Howe can name his starting line-up.

We’ve collected all of the latest team news and injury updates below along with our predicted line-up – and if you’re looking for information ahead of the Fantasy Premier League deadline, you can also read our resident expert’s latest hints and tips column by clicking here.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Howe could have a headache between the sticks on Saturday. First-choice goalkeeper Pope was hurt in the course of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend and has some swelling on his knee which caused him to miss the midweek EFL Cup match against AFC Wimbledon. The issue is not expected to be serious, however, and Newcastle will hope he makes a full recovery in time to face Everton.

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Should Pope miss out, the problem will be compounded by an injury sustained by back-up Martin Dúbravka following a collision with a Wimbledon player. No updates have been provided but the goalkeeper was left out of Slovakia’s Nations League squad, suggesting the injury is serious enough for him to miss time. Odysseas Vlachodimos is the third choice.

Further forward, Schär (ankle) and Kieran Trippier (muscle) are both doubts, with the Austrian seemingly more likely to play after Howe said he would “hopefully” available. Matty Targett, who hasn’t played for almost a year after serious hamstring and Achilles injuries, is closing in on a return but is more likely to wait until after the international break. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles (both ACL) are long-term absentees and won’t be available until late December at the earliest.

Midfield

The fitness picture is rather better in midfield, and only youngster Lewis Miley, who suffered a broken metatarsal during pre-season having already missed time in 2023/24 with a back problem, is expected to miss out. Joe Willock, another player who has endured recurring fitness issues in recent years, came through the full 90 minutes against Wimbledon and should be available if required.

Forwards

Swedish striker Isak is out of the game after Howe confirmed his absence in Friday’s press conference. Last season’s leading scorer picked up a foot injury and while he was able to play through the pain against Fulham a fortnight ago, Howe said afterwards that it had become too much for him to handle and he subsequently missed out against Manchester City and Wimbledon.

Howe had said that Isak could play this weekend “if everything falls into place” but he will now be rested until after the October international break to allow him to recover fully. Callum Wilson (back) remains out, meaning that either Anthony Gordon or William Osula is likely to play the centre-forward role against Everton.

Full predicted line-up (4-3-3)

Pope; Hall, Burn, Schär, Livramento; Joelinton, Bruno, Tonali; Barnes, Murphy, Gordon.