Mark Lawrenson predicts Newcastle vs Everton result

By Jordan Harris

Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he believes that Newcastle United did some good business during the January transfer window, but he does not see them winning against Everton on Tuesday.

The Magpies were busier than any other Premier League side throughout the month. Five new signings have arrived, with Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett all awaiting the chance to make their debut.

That wait may come to an end for a couple of those players on Tuesday. And they will be hoping to build on an important victory against Leeds before the mid-season break.

Newcastle now face another side languishing in the bottom-half of the Premier League table in Everton. The Toffees, of course, are gearing up for their first top-flight game under Frank Lampard.

Everton thrashed Brentford in the FA Cup at the weekend. And they also have a couple of signings to introduce in Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli.

Newcastle do not face another bottom five side until the latter stages of April. So it could be deemed crucial that they secure only their third league win of the season this week. Lawrenson however, believes that Everton will take a share of the points.

“Lampard really needs striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to be fit for this one, though. He makes such a difference for them, especially away from home,” he told BBC Sport, as he predicted a 1-1 draw.

“Newcastle have got some new faces too, of course, and it will be interesting to see how they line up in their first game for more than a fortnight.

“Overall they did pretty good business in the transfer window, but it might take a bit of time for this Newcastle team to bed in. They need the three points more than Everton do, but I don’t think they will get them.”

Newcastle and Everton have more than enough to get themselves out of trouble

Certainly, one game is not going to decide anything for either club. Newcastle are currently in the bottom three. And they have some daunting games coming up.

But they have improved their defence considerably in January. And they proved last season that they can put together an amazing run.

There is plenty of optimism still around the Magpies it seems. And Everton also already appear to be in a much better place now that the Rafa Benitez era has ended.

Both teams have the potential to pull away from danger in the coming weeks. And it would be a surprise for many if either find themselves in the bottom three when the campaign concludes.