Everton (H)

Everton visit a well rested St James' Park this afternoon for an important game for both sides. A win for Everton gets them closer to Arsenal in the fight for 5th and a win for Newcastle would certainly capitalise on the draws and losses seen around the bottom half of the table yesterday.

Caretaker bosses Hughton and Calderwood are still missing 7 first team players including Owen and Beye but welcome back Martins, Viduka and Smith with two of the three likely to get some game time as we look to build on the good win at relegation rivals West Brom.

Everton however arrive in good form with loan signing Jo likely to be keen to follow up a 2-goal debut with a strong showing away from home. We can't help thinking that Bassong should thrive on Jo's particular threat and at least the midfield and Colo shouldn't have to worry about Cahill and Osman drifting in late from deeper positions. Everton do have some strong youngsters in the squad but the game should be more about what we can do to Everton's defence rather than worrying about them in the attacking third. We must make sure to shacle Arteta though and we'll need a disciplined performance from the midfield to ensure he doesn't get any free kicks on the edge of our box, from which the Spaniard is deadly.

The caretakers have some selection issues with Jonas available once more. R.Taylor and Duff did well on the flanks at the Hawthorns and unless S.Taylor is dropped, R.Taylor may find himself on the bench or elsewhere this week. Although Lovenkrands' full debut was decent, it remains to be seen if this is enough to see off the threat of Oba and the Duke. We're looking forward to seeing the teamsheet, it will be interesting to see how we perform given that in our view, our eleven are likely to look stronger on paper than that of the visitors.

It promises to be a good game, let's hope we're the early aggressors and are able to dominate the game as it will be difficult to overcome the strong Everton unit should they get their noses in front.

Beyewatch prediction: 2-1 (ha'way the lads)