Joe Thomas - One thing I certainly want to see
I’m conflicted over whether now might be the time to start Dominic Calvert-Lewin. When fully fit, he starts for me. He’s Everton’s best finisher - though training videos suggest Michael Keane would run anyone close despite being a centre-back - and this is a side that is creating chances but not so many that it can afford to be wasteful.
Newcastle United have a strong defensive record and if Everton get one chance they need to take it. Having said that, I’m well aware of the management of his comeback. It might be sensible to go with him on the bench in the hope he is then able to start against Crystal Palace and then play a consistent role in the run of games to the World Cup break.
One thing I certainly want to see is Alex Iwobi playing in the middle and not being utilised out wide, as he was as Everton chased the game at Tottenham Hotspur. Anthony Gordon’s return from suspension helps with that. The game plan essentially worked at Spurs, the Blues just didn’t take their chances. With another game away to a resolute, in-form team, Gordon would be my only change. If Everton struggle tonight then a few wider changes may need to be considered ahead of Palace and beyond.
My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko; Iwobi, Onana, Gueye; Gordon, Maupay, Gray.
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Chris Beesley - Ultimately they'll have to wait
Other than Anthony Gordon's recent omissions from the starting line-up at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur through first illness and then suspension, Everton's team sheet has been pretty settled in recent times but with a midweek away trip to Newcastle United to consider before Crystal Palace's arrival at Goodison Park on Saturday, Frank Lampard might be tempted to shuffle the pack. The first dilemma for the Blues boss is whether to restore home-grown hero Gordon himself as the 21-year-old's form has dipped since the transfer window closed and the prospect of a big money move to Chelsea ended.
When Lampard told Gordon he needed to up his numbers this season to start living up to his potential, he meant in terms of goals and assists, not yellow cards, so perhaps he might even benefit from not going straight back into the starting line-up as it would send a message that the team is picked on form. Nevertheless, for all his dangerous running at opponents, Demarai Gray's profligacy in front of goal - demonstrated by his latest big miss at Spurs - is also a big concern, so maybe this is the time to drop him and keep him as a lively potential option off the bench.
There is also a clamour for fit-again Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the line but along with the temptation to bring Mason Holgate in at right-back for 34-year-old captain Seamus Coleman with three games in a week and James Garner's pushing for a midfield spot, ultimately they'll all have to wait.
My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Coady, Tarkwoski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Onana, Iwobi; Gordon, Maupay, McNeil.
Paul Wheelock - A similar result this evening would suffice
Has Dominic Calvert-Lewin just given the game away? His 'COYB' tweet last night had fans wondering whether he is about to start his first game of the season. And if he and Frank Lampard feel he is fit to do so, then it's time.
Neal Maupay would be the man to drop out but it has to be said the summer signing from Brighton has had to feed on scraps in the defeats to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. I've got a feeling it will be more of the same tonight and that's why I'd rest Maupay to the bench with the possibility of bringing him back into the side for Saturday's visit of his old foes Crystal Palace to Goodison Park. Everton are also going to need pace tonight, given counter-attacking could be be their best bet of a goal against a Newcastle United side who don't concede many.
But while I've got a feeling the Blues may be on the back foot for periods tonight, I'd still bring Anthony Gordon in for Dwight McNeil, who put a real defensive shift in again against Tottenham, because when the opportunities come, they need to be taken, just as Gordon did in the draws at Brentford and Leeds United. A similar result this evening would suffice.
My team (4-3-3): Pickford; Coleman, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Iwobi, Onana; Gray, Calvert-Lewin, Gordon.
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