Newcastle United face Everton twice in four days, with midfielder Joe Willock's future at the club under scrutiny after he had a goal disallowed in Saturday's 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.
Willock was unlucky not to claim his fourth goal of the season at Selhurst Park, seeing an effort ruled out by the finest of offside margins. Harvey Barnes scored his fourth moments later to match him.
Double header against Everton
Everton are Newcastle's next opponents twice in quick succession, with David Moyes' side visiting St James' Park in the League Cup before the two clubs meet again in the Premier League. The Toffees have scored eight goals in eight league matches this season, while their summer recruitment left them with just one recognised centre-forward in Thierno Barry.
Everton's recent form has been mixed, with a defeat to Chelsea their first of the season before a 2-0 loss to Arsenal. Moyes' contract expires at the end of the season, and the Friedkin Group are looking to sell the club.
Willock's future in doubt
Willock has been the most effective player in the No 10 role under Matthias Jaissle, providing goal support from midfield. However, reports suggest he could leave in January, a move that would need to be stopped at least until Newcastle complete their own transfer business.
The return of Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Will Osula from injury helped secure the victory at Crystal Palace, with the combination of Schar and Burn in defence proving significant. Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman were both injured.
League Cup pedigree
Newcastle will be backed by 7,732 fans at Goodison Park, their largest away support since 7,800 travelled to Manchester City for an FA Cup sixth-round tie in March 2024. The club reached two Wembley finals in 2023 and 2025 under former boss Eddie Howe, winning the latter, but this is Jaissle's first season in charge.
New signings Sean Steur, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey provide options as the squad faces two contrasting matches against Everton, with the League Cup tie followed by a league meeting on Monday.
