Newcastle v Everton - Sun 1st Nov 2020 - 2pm

Newcastle United

Top goalscorer
Callum Wilson: 4

Most assists
Miguel Almirón/Jeff Hendrick/Allan Saint-Maximin/Callum Wilson: 1

Most touches
Federico Fernandez: 423

Most tackles
Miguel Almiron: 13

ONE TO WATCH: Allan Saint-Maximin

Frenchman Saint-Maximin's speed, skill and explosive dribbling ability have seen him emerge as a fans' favourite since joining the Magpies from Nice in 2019.

The 23-year-old winger - who predominantly operates from the left flank - has been directly involved in 13 goals in 36 appearances for Newcastle (five goals, eight assists).

Saint-Maximin signed a new six-year contract with the Magpies last month, with manager Steve Bruce commenting: "Allan is worth his weight in gold to us".

REFEREE: Stuart Attwell

VAR: Craig Pawson

Ben Godfrey is convinced Everton own the depth of quality necessary to recover from their first Premier League setback this season and claim maximum points at Newcastle United on Sunday.

Defender Godfrey made his full Everton debut as one of three players brought into the team for last week’s meeting with Southampton.

The 22-year-old, who filled Everton's right-back position at St Mary’s Stadium, insists Carlo Ancelotti’s side is primed to respond to defeat on the south coast.

Manager Ancelotti must do without Lucas Digne against Newcastle, the Frenchman serving a one-match ban and potentially providing an opening for compatriot Niels Nkounkou to play his first Premier League football.

Godfrey, ordinarily a centre-half, has competition from fit-again Jonjoe Kenny for the position on the right of defence vacated by the hamstrung Seamus Coleman.

“It is a massive achievement to get your first start at this club but I have to work hard to get many more,” said Godfrey.

“In football you can’t win forever, there are always ups and downs.

“It [Southampton] was one of those days you learn from and move on.

“This is a group which stays positive and understands you can’t let losses affect you too much.

“The boys have learned from it and continued to work hard in training to give us the best possible chance against Newcastle.

“Lucas is a great player and it’s a shame we won’t have him for the game.

“But we have quality and depth and I am sure there will be a solution to his absence.

“Niels is young and hungry and has incredible ability.

“I have noticed how hard he works every day.

“He is confident and, if he is called on, I am sure he will do himself proud."

Godfrey’s outing at Southampton was only his 32nd in the Premier League.

He joined from Norwich City last month after 30 top-flight games for the Carrow Road team, making his first Everton appearance a fortnight later when coming off the bench to replace Coleman in the opening half of the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

The player, who began his career with York City, maintains he is ready to perform wherever Ancelotti asks.

Everton’s Italian boss must accommodate for the absences of South American pair James Rodriguez and Richarlison, mainstay Coleman and fellow full-back Digne, following his red card at Southampton, for this weekend’s encounter in the North East.

“I am up against some quality competition, which is healthy, and players in every part of the pitch have the same challenge,” said Godfrey.

“We have two or three players for every position.

“It helps you push each other every day, which is what you need to perform your best at the weekend.

“It is healthy competition and I am looking forward to working hard and getting many more starts.

“It doesn’t matter which position the manager tells me to play, I will give 100 per cent and do everything to help the boys.

“We have a mix of senior world-class players and young world-class players and the quality in training every day has not surprised me at all."

Godfrey was Everton’s sixth summer transfer window arrival, completing his switch to Goodison Park on October’s deadline day.

He barely had time to catch his breath following subsequent England Under-21 duty before making a sound first impression when coming on in the opening half of the Goodison Park Merseyside derby.

The past week, however, has presented an opportunity to take stock following a whirlwind beginning with his new team.

“The Club has made it so easy for me, as have the boys, in terms of settling in,” added Godfrey.

“When you move you are itching to get on the pitch for the first time.

“When I got the opportunity, I was excited.

“It was a proud moment for my family watching at home - and what an occasion to do it.

“I don’t need to tell anyone Everton is a massive club.

“It is the perfect place for me and an honour to be here."

Everton FC