'I tipped them for top four': How Jeff Stelling now feels about Newcastle's Champions League hopes

Eddie Howe takes his Newcastle United side to Goodison Park on Saturday to seek revenge for the 3-0 drubbing by Everton at the same ground last season. Kick off is at 5:30pm live on Sky Sports.

After last season's hammering, Newcastle get one more chance to set things right at Goodison Park before the Toffees move to a new stadium. Results at Goodison have been mixed for the Magpies but it would be ideal to sign off with a win, for sure.

Neither side has really covered themselves in glory this season with Newcastle often being described as being fortunate to have the points on the board that they have. Although last week's game against Manchester City showed a much improved Newcastle team performance.

Everton picked up their first Premier League win of the season last week beating Crystal Palace so both sides come into the game with renewed confidence.

Jeff Stelling is already worried about his pre-season prediction

That performance doesn't seem to have had any effect on the pundits predicting the scores this week, however, with Paul Merson unable to separate the two sides, and Jeff Stelling finding it equally difficult after previously having backed Newcastle for the Champions League.

Stelling predicted the score for TalkSPORT on X and it seems his confidence in his early prediction is waning already.

“Saturday at 5:30, Everton take on Newcastle at Goodison Park.

“I am slightly worried about Newcastle this season. I tipped them for top four but there have been too many flat performances so far.

“They usually have a goal in them, though last season they went to Goodison Park and managed to lose 3-0.

“Everton are scrapping for their lives. I can’t divide these two. I’m going to go Everton 1-1 Newcastle.”

If Newcastle play like they did last week there should be no problems

We have to say, we're disappointed in you, Jeff. We expect Paul Merson to be harsh but not Wor Jeff.

A draw wouldn't be a disaster for Newcastle, but after playing so well against Man City we did say that if we could play that way against all the other teams in the Premier League we'd win, and if we could play that well against Everton we should hammer them.

When playing away, though, you never know which Newcastle is going to turn up.