Everton travel to St James’ Park for their final Premier League fixture of the 2024/25 season, in a clash where all the pressure rests on the hosts. Newcastle United must win to secure a Champions League spot, while Everton’s 13th-place finish is already confirmed, regardless of the result.
Nevertheless, David Moyes’ side will be eager to end the season on a high and won’t think twice about spoiling Newcastle’s European party, potentially forcing them to put their Champions League dreams, and passports, on hold for another year.
Everton’s game plan will hinge on containing Newcastle’s key threats, most notably Alexander Isak, who will be the primary danger up front if he returns from injury. Keeping the Swede quiet will be crucial.
But just as important will be nullifying the wide threat posed by Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy. Their pace and directness can stretch any defence, and Everton’s ability to track runners, win one-on-one battles, and prevent cutbacks will be essential.
However, for Everton to come away with a result, they must be particularly cautious of one man who could disrupt their entire game plan: Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder is central to Newcastle's pressing system, and his aggressive, forward-thinking play style poses a serious threat to Everton’s already vulnerable midfield.
If the Toffees attempt to play through the middle or rely on transitional moments, Tonali will be quick to pounce, pressing high and forcing errors from a back line that will be missing key figures in James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
With that in mind, the expected midfield trio of Idrissa Gana Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and James Garner will need to be sharp both technically and positionally, while having the bravery to keep possession. Their passing must be crisp and their awareness constant; any slip, and Tonali will be there to capitalize.
To nullify the threat posed by the spaghetti-eating, Moretti-drinking midfield dynamo, Everton must adopt a tactical approach that plays to their strengths and avoids unnecessary risks. A direct game plan, one that isn't unfamiliar to this side, could prove to be the key.
Bypassing the midfield through long balls or exploiting space in behind via wide areas can help Everton avoid Tonali’s relentless pressing. Targeting early runs from Beto or whichever striker gets the nod (provided he times his runs well) will allow Everton to gain territory, relieve pressure, and progress up the pitch. This strategy may not be pretty, but in a game where control in the middle is a risk, pragmatism could be Everton’s best route to success.
Ultimately, this fixture offers Everton a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to end the season with momentum. A result here wouldn’t just spoil Newcastle’s Champions League hopes, it would signal that Moyes’ Everton can execute a disciplined, results-driven plan even when the odds are stacked, and could lead to success.
While Tonali may be a looming threat, Everton have the tools to counter him. With grit, structure, and a touch of bravery, they can make their final mark on the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.