Newcastle United play host to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday with just three points separating the clubs in the table.

While the Magpies suffered a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United on Boxing Day, Carlo Ancelotti began his Toffees reign with a 1-0 victory against Burnley.

Match preview

When Newcastle took an early lead at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, Steve Bruce would have expected his players to make it difficult for their more illustrious opponents to produce the kind of comeback they have been known for over the years.

However, Bruce was the first to acknowledge that his players had gifted their hosts victory with a number of mistakes in the aftermath of Matty Longstaff's coolly-taken opener.

While Bruce will feel that it was a one-off, there was a frustration that Newcastle had not taken the opportunity to move ahead of the Red Devils and closer to the top six.

With defeat, Newcastle now find themselves battling to remain in the top 10, and a second successive setback will lead to Everton, currently 13th, overtaking them in the standings.

The small margin of error highlights the competitiveness in this season's Premier League, meaning that Newcastle's previous hard work may be undone if they fail to take anything from the game at St James' Park.

As for Everton, they make the long journey to the North-East on the back of putting together a four-match unbeaten streak in the top flight since the departure of Marco Silva.

Duncan Ferguson more than steadied the ship with five points from contests against Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal, putting Ancelotti in a great position ahead of his first fixture against Burnley.

Despite there still being scope for improvements to be made, success with a clean sheet was the perfect result for the experienced Italian, who will feel that his Toffees side have growing momentum heading into 2020.

However, with Manchester City to come at the Etihad Stadium on New Year's Day, Ancelotti will acknowledge that it increases the need for their recent positive streak to continue against their next opponents.

Newcastle United Premier League form: DWWLWL

Everton Premier League form: LLWDDW
Everton form (all competitions): LWDDDW

Team News

Given the short turnaround, both Bruce and Ancelotti will make changes to their respective sides.

Having started on the bench at Old Trafford, DeAndre Yedlin, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Andy Carroll should all return to the Newcastle starting lineup.

Christian Atsu is also in contention, although Joelinton may get the nod on the right flank after making an impression against United.

As far as Everton are concerned, Fabian Delph is likely to be replaced by Tom Davies having only recently returned from injury.

Michael Keane and Leighton Baines are also in line for a recall, while Moise Kean will hope for a starting role in attack.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Yedlin, Schar, Fernandez, Lejeune, Willems; Joelinton, Hayden, Shelvey, Almiron; Carroll

Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Keane, Mina, Holgate; Sidibe, Davies, Sigurdsson, Baines; Bernard; Richarlison, Kean

We say: Newcastle United 1-1 Everton

Given their contrasting fortunes earlier this week, this is a difficult match to call. However, we have to take Newcastle's solid home record into consideration, and we feel that the Magpies will do enough to earn a share of the spoils.