Newcastle United predicted line-up vs. Everton: key change made as Magpies sweat on Anthony Gordon fitness

Newcastle United continued to make light of a devastating injury list when they claimed a fully deserved 1-0 home win against Manchester United on Saturday night.

Despite being robbed of the services of over £200m worth of talent, sparkling displays from the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar and Anthony Gordon saw the latter of that trio grab the only goal of the game to keep Eddie Howe's men in touch with the top four. Howe's injury concerns grew during the game - more of that in a moment - but he still has some decisions to make as his side look to continue their impressive form with a win at relegation threatened Everton on Thursday night.

Although they are struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table following the ten-point deduction imposed on them, the Toffees will provide a stern test for the depleted Magpies - but what side could Howe field as his players aim to rack up a fourth win in their last five Premier League wins.

Goalkeeper

Newcastle's injury crisis has been well-versed - but if there is one position that has escaped bad news it is between the sticks. That was until Saturday night's win over Manchester United when Nick Pope suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder before being replaced by former Red Devils loan star Martin Dubravka.

Howe suggested Pope could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines in the aftermath of the game and that means Dubravka will be handed a first Premier League start of the season and his first since the final day of last season when his side run out at Goodison Park.

Defence

It is probably easier to list the defensive players that are not available to Howe, rather than the ones that are. The likes of Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Javier Manquillo will all miss the trip to Merseyside and that should mean the Magpies will retain faith with the defensive quartet that performed some admirably in Premier League wins against Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as the hard-earned draw in their Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain.

Midfield

One player we can definitely rule out of the game is Sandro Tonali as he continues to serve the lengthy ban he received for breaching gambling regulations in Italy. The Magpies injury list has dented Howe's midfield options and Elliot Anderson, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock are not expected to return this side of Christmas Day.

Once again, Howe will be forced to field Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and impressive young talent Lewis Miley - although all three have proved they would be more than worth of commanding a place in the side after putting together a string of fine displays in recent weeks.

Forwards

The absence of Callum Wilson will mean Alexander Isak will lead the line once again as he looks to replicate what was a memorable performance in the Magpies win at Goodison Park last season. Had things been different, Howe may well have taken a more careful approach to the Swede's return from his own injury problems - but he will unquestionably start once again on Thursday night.

Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy are still nowhere near returning to contention and that means Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon will play the supporting cast to Isak - although the latter of that duo will be monitored ahead of his return to his former club after picking up a slight knock in the win against Manchester United.

Newcastle United predicted XI

Dubravka; Trippier, Livramento, Lascelles, Schar; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Miley; Gordon, Almiron; Isak