Newcastle United and Everton will be looking to boost their European hopes when they meet at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
The Magpies were beaten at Manchester City last weekend but have shown signs of improvement lately. While the cup competitions are likely to be a priority in the remaining weeks of the season, continental qualification through the league is still up for grabs.
As for Everton, they have been one of the standout away teams in the division this season. After back-to-back defeats at home, David Moyes’ side could relish being on the road again, even at a potentially tricky venue.
Can Gordon get one over on Everton?
Newcastle will be able to take some heart from the manner in which they performed at City last weekend. Even after a 5,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan, they pushed the title challengers close at the Etihad Stadium.
After four successive games on the road, Eddie Howe would have been glad to get his squad back on home soil in midweek and look to put a concerning run at St James’ Park right; they have lost three of their last four domestic home games.
For Anthony Gordon, this fixture means a lot. The forward left Everton in bitter circumstances in 2023 and has made no secret of his admiration for their rivals Liverpool since.
Gordon is yet to score against the Toffees in five appearances against them for Newcastle, and last season he saw a penalty saved by Everton goalkeeper – and Magpies nemesis – Jordan Pickford.
Since then, Gordon has been a dead-eye from the spot for the Magpies, scoring all nine of his penalties. However, his overall form this season has been curious; he has struggled in the Premier League but been sensational in the Champions League.