As of late January 2026, the probable lineups for Everton FC vs Newcastle United FC feature a mix of established Premier League stars and high-impact winter signings. Everton, under the management of David Moyes, typically deploys a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, anchored by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and a defensive line led by James Tarkowski. However, they face a significant challenge following a season-ending stress fracture to star midfielder Jack Grealish. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United generally utilizes a dynamic 4-3-3 system, spearheaded by talismanic midfielder Bruno Guimarães and clinical forward Anthony Gordon. The Magpies enter 2026 looking to build on their dominant 4-1 victory over the Toffees earlier this season at the newly inaugurated Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton FC Probable Lineup and Tactics
Everton’s approach under David Moyes in early 2026 has focused on defensive solidity and clinical counter-attacking, though tactical shifts are expected due to key injuries.
Defensive Structure and Goal
In January 2026, Jordan Pickford remained the undisputed number one for Everton, providing both shot-stopping reliability and elite distribution. The back four usually consists of Nathan Patterson at right-back, Vitalii Mykolenko at left-back, and a central pairing of James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien. This unit has focused on a low-block strategy, particularly in big-game scenarios, to neutralize the pace of opposition wingers like Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes.
Midfield and Attacking Hub
With Jack Grealish sidelined for the long term with a broken foot, Moyes has leaned on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Idrissa Gueye to provide stability. The creative burden has shifted toward Iliman Ndiaye, who recently returned from a successful AFCON campaign with Senegal. Up front, French forward Thierno Barry is the primary target man, supported by the industrious Dwight McNeil on the flank.
Newcastle United Probable Lineup and Tactics
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side has transitioned into a highly flexible unit in 2026, capable of dominating possession or striking rapidly on the break.
The Howe 4-3-3 Blueprint
The Magpies’ lineup is built around a core of technical proficiency and immense physical work rate. Aaron Ramsdale, who joined the club in 2024, has cemented his place as the starting goalkeeper, shielded by a defense featuring Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman. Thiaw has been a revelation in the 2025/26 season, notably scoring twice in the 4-1 thrashing of Everton in November 2025.
Creative Engine Room
The midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton is widely considered one of the most balanced in the Premier League. Guimarães acts as the primary deep-lying playmaker, while Tonali’s box-to-box energy allows Newcastle to transition from defense to attack in seconds. In the absence of the injured Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento often switches to left-back to maintain the team’s overlapping threat.
Key Matchups: 2026 Tactical Battlegrounds
The outcome of Everton vs Newcastle often hinges on specific individual duels across the pitch.
Tarkowski vs Anthony Gordon
The battle between Everton’s veteran captain James Tarkowski and former Toffee Anthony Gordon is always a focal point. Gordon’s explosive pace and direct dribbling style challenge Tarkowski’s positioning and aerial dominance. In 2026, Moyes has often doubled up on Gordon to prevent him from cutting inside on his favored right foot.
Bruno Guimarães vs Idrissa Gueye
This midfield duel determines which side controls the tempo of the game. Bruno Guimarães is the creative heartbeat of Newcastle, whereas Idrissa Gueye is tasked with disrupting that flow through interceptions and tactical fouls. If Gueye can neutralize the Brazilian, Everton significantly reduces Newcastle’s ability to feed their dangerous front three.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend or watch the upcoming clash between Everton and Newcastle in 2026, here is the essential data.
- Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton’s new home as of 2025) or St. James’ Park.
- Ticket Prices: Standard tickets generally range from £45 to £95, depending on the seat category and membership status.
- How to Get There: The Hill Dickinson Stadium is accessible via the Liverpool Merseyrail network (Sandhills Station) or dedicated matchday bus services from the city center.
- Matchday Experience: Visitors can expect world-class facilities at the new Everton ground, including the massive “Home End” stand and integrated digital fan zones.
- Broadcast: In the UK, the match is typically broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports; international viewers can tune in via NBC Sports (USA) or Opta/DAZN.
Seasonal Context: The Race for Europe in 2026
As of late January 2026, both clubs are embroiled in a mid-table battle with aspirations for European qualification.
Everton’s Survival and Growth
After several seasons of relegation scares, Everton has found stability under David Moyes, currently sitting in the top 10 of the Premier League. The loss of Jack Grealish is a psychological and tactical blow, but the winter window of 2026 offers Moyes a chance to reinforce the squad to push for a Conference League spot.
Newcastle’s Quest for Consistency
Newcastle is seeking a return to the Champions League places after an inconsistent first half of the 2025/26 campaign. Their emphatic away win at Everton in November was a season highlight, and Eddie Howe is focused on maintaining that “away-day” momentum through the grueling winter schedule.
The Historical Rivalry: A Tale of Two Cities
The connection between these two clubs dates back to the late 19th century, with over 185 competitive meetings recorded as of 2026. This fixture is one of the most evenly balanced in English football history.
Decades of Competitive Balance
Historically, Everton held a significant advantage during their title-winning seasons in the 1980s, famously dismantling Newcastle 7-0 in 1987. However, the advent of the Premier League in the 1990s saw the “Entertainers” of Newcastle, led by Kevin Keegan, regain ground. In the early 2020s, the rivalry intensified due to the “Pickford Factor”—Jordan Pickford’s status as a former Sunderland player has made him a lightning rod for the “Toon Army,” adding a derby-like atmosphere even when the match is played in Liverpool.
Iconic Comebacks and Chaos
The 2020s have produced some of the most surreal moments in this fixture’s history. Fans still talk about the 2020 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, where Newcastle’s Florian Lejeune scored twice in stoppage time to snatch a point. More recently, the March 2022 meeting was famously disrupted when a protester zip-tied himself to the goalpost, leading to 14 minutes of stoppage time and a dramatic 99th-minute winner for Everton—an event that solidified the fixture’s reputation for unpredictable “chaos.”
Hill Dickinson Stadium: The 2026 Fan Experience
The 2025/26 season marks Everton’s first full campaign at their stunning new waterfront home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium (formerly known as the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium).
A New Era for the Toffees
The 52,888-capacity stadium is a masterpiece of modern engineering, featuring a “Football First” design that places fans closer to the pitch than almost any other modern ground in Europe. In late 2025, the venue hosted its first major international events, including the 2025 Rugby League Ashes and the announcement of its role as a key host for UEFA Euro 2028. For Newcastle fans visiting in 2026, the away end offers panoramic views of the Mersey and the Liverpool skyline, though the steep “Home End” stand is designed to create an intimidating wall of sound.
Visiting the Stadium in 2026
- Stadium Tours: In 2026, fans can book behind-the-scenes tours that include access to the circular home dressing room and the media theatre.
- Accessibility: The ground is fully accessible and served by Sandhills Station, which is a short walk from the entrance.
- The Fan Plaza: A massive public plaza at the edge of the ground features the restored historic hydraulic tower, serving as a focal point for pre-match celebrations and fan activations.
Newcastle’s 2026 Resurgence under Eddie Howe
Newcastle United’s transformation into a consistent top-tier threat has been a defining narrative of the 2025/26 season.
Tactical Maturity
Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have shed their defensive labels to become one of the most efficient “transition” teams in Europe. The November 2025 4-1 victory at Everton showcased this perfectly; Newcastle allowed Everton possession in non-threatening areas before striking with clinical precision through Malick Thiaw and Anthony Gordon. In 2026, their squad depth—boosted by the development of youth star Lewis Miley—allows them to maintain a high-press system for the full 90 minutes.
The Return of the Tyne-Wear Influence
With the Tyne-Wear Derby returning to the Premier League schedule in late 2025, Newcastle’s squad has rediscovered a local “edge.” This intensity often carries over into matches against Everton, particularly as the clubs frequently find themselves competing for the same European qualification spots in the league table.
FAQs
What is the largest ever win in this fixture?
Everton defeated Newcastle 8-1 in 1931, while Newcastle’s biggest win was 8-2 in 1959.
Has Jordan Pickford ever played for Newcastle?
No, he is a Sunderland academy graduate, which is why he receives a hostile reception from Newcastle fans.
How many fans can the Hill Dickinson Stadium hold?
The official capacity as of early 2026 is 52,888.
Did Everton win any trophies in this fixture?
Everton famously beat Newcastle in the 1995 FA Cup Quarter-Final on their way to winning the trophy.
Is the new Everton stadium hosting the Euros?
Yes, it has been confirmed as a host venue for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament.
What is the “Home End” at Hill Dickinson Stadium?
It is a massive single-tier stand designed to replicate the atmosphere of the “Yellow Wall” at Dortmund.
When was the first meeting between these two teams?
Their first competitive league meeting took place in September 1898.
Can I buy tour vouchers for the new stadium?
Yes, Hill Dickinson Stadium tour vouchers are available via the official Everton website in 2026.
Who scored the first goal at the new stadium?
The first official Premier League goal at the new ground was scored in August 2025 during the opener against Brighton.
What is the record attendance at Hill Dickinson Stadium?
As of January 2026, the record is 52,513 for the match against Arsenal in December 2025.
Who is the current manager of Everton in 2026?
David Moyes returned for his second stint as Everton manager in 2025 and currently leads the team.
Is Jack Grealish playing for Everton in 2026?
Yes, but he is currently sidelined with a broken foot (stress fracture) and is expected to miss several months.
Who scored for Newcastle in the 4-1 win over Everton in Nov 2025?
Malick Thiaw (2), Lewis Miley, and Nick Woltemade were the scorers for the Magpies.
What is Everton’s new stadium called in 2026?
Everton now plays at the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Did Anthony Gordon leave Newcastle in 2026?
No, Anthony Gordon remains a vital part of Newcastle’s starting XI as of January 2026.
Who is Newcastle’s captain?
Bruno Guimarães frequently wears the captain’s armband, though Kieran Trippier remains a key leadership figure.
Where can I buy tickets for Everton vs Newcastle?
Tickets are available through the official club websites; however, most sell out to members weeks in advance.
What formation does Eddie Howe use in 2026?
Newcastle typically utilizes an aggressive 4-3-3 formation.
Who is Everton’s top scorer in the 2025/26 season?
As of January 2026, Thierno Barry and Dwight McNeil are among the leading scorers for the club.
Who is the goalkeeper for Newcastle in 2026?
Aaron Ramsdale is the primary starting goalkeeper for Newcastle United.
What was the score of the last match?
The last Premier League meeting ended Everton 1-4 Newcastle United on November 29, 2025.
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