Everton (a)

Habib's not going to make it but we do have Enrique back in the fold as we make the trip to Merseyside. We hope it's not another tricky one against the sticky toffees as Joe selects his first Magpies 11.

It's not clear who will fill in for Beye at right back but we're hoping for a better shape and discipline than our last effort against Blackburn. Kinnear is likely to be the 8th manager to give Ameobi a chance to impress. Any improvement in Shola's game would be welcomed and a good run towards Christmas would surely benefit the club and player, increasing his chances of a move in January.

We hope that Joe's four letter word tirade at local journalists helps build the siege mentality that is required to get the team fighting for each other. We can't help thinking that Joe has cleverly targetted the media, appeasing fans with talk of King Kev's return, talking up underperforming players and creating an 'us against them' atmosphere whilst distancing himself from the board by becoming outspoken on the chances of a take over. We can't help thinking that Max Clifford is on the end of the phone somewhere.

Regardless of the off-field matters, this will be a hard game. We just hope we have the spirit to make it a hard fought game.

Beyewatch Prediction 1-1