Nick Woltemade decision made - Our predicted starting XI for Newcastle United to take on Everton

Newcastle United are back in action at St James' Park on Saturday in a non-televised 3pm kick-off against Everton.

The Toffees are struggling for form right now, and that's usually Newcastle's cue to act like a charity and let a team take some points.

However, the Magpies have to put their foot down if they want to end the season with any chance of securing European football next season.

Everton should be there for the taking, and we think this lineup will give Howe the best chance of doing just that.

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope - Sat out the win over Qarabag on Tuesday but will be back between the sticks on Saturday.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier - Eddie Howe says Trippier feels best when he's playing regularly. Just as well, really.

Malick Thiaw - The German finally got a rest in midweek, sitting out the Qarabag game through suspension. He'll go straight back into the side on Saturday.

Sven Botman - Did well on Tuesday, eventually, after a few sloppy passes in the opening minutes. Might be better in his preferred position on the left side of defence. Although we're 50/50 on whether Dan Burn will get the nod.

Lewis Hall - Didn't get the entire night off on Tuesday, but had a decent rest as Alex Murphy deputised.

Midfielders

Joe Willock - Jacob Ramsey might be fit again to be involved, but we're not sure Eddie Howe will risk starting him, so we're going with Willock.

Sandro Tonali - Had another good game on Tuesday. Has really stepped up since Bruno Guimaraes picked up his injury.

Joelinton - Was livid when he was hooked on Tuesday, so we're expecting him to be like a man possessed on Saturday.

Forwards

Harvey Barnes - This is where Howe has real options, but Harvey Barnes has been the man this season over Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga, so we're going with Barnes.

Yoane Wissa - We don't think Nick Woltemade is going to start on Saturday, and Will Osula shouldn't even be a thought after Tuesday, so we'll see what Wissa does.

Anthony Gordon - Gordon, Wissa and Barnes will give us a good pacey forward line that should cause Everton some trouble.