Everton v Newcastle, Monday, 8pm SS1
Delighted for my old club’s great start to the season. David Moyes will be disappointed that they lost to West Brom but they’re on fire at Goodison and I expect them to win this game.
The strikers Kevin Mirallas and Nikica Jelavic are playing well and scored on international duty last week. I like the way Marouane Fellaini plays off Jelavic and Steven Naismith was a good signing from Rangers. It’s probably the biggest and strongest squad they’ve had in a while. They could surprise a few and finish in the top four in the Premier League.
Newcastle are playing well and what Alan Pardew’s done has been remarkable. The Magpies had a good start with a home win against Spurs but have stuttered a bit since and Newcastle away are not the same proposition as Newcastle at home.
Paddy Power blog team: Everton’s lucky charm Darron Gibson has been ruled out for the next month or so and Steven Pienaar is a doubt but otherwise David Moyes has a full-strength squad to choose from. The Toffees will look to call on Fortress Goodison again as they have five straight home victories behind them in all competitions.
Alan Pardew’s Newcastle United are facing an injury crisis with goalkeeper Tim Krul and midfieldfer Cheick Tiote on the casualty list. Captain Fabricio Coloccini is suffering from a hamstring problem and is also likely to be ruled out.
There have been seven penalties in this clash at Goodison - all for Everton – over the home side have yet to miss one.
