Newcastle v Everton: Team newspublished at 13:58 GMT 28 February
13:58 GMT 28 February
Image source, BBC Spo
Anthony Gordon starts against his former club as Newcastle United make six changes for the visit of Everton.
Gordon, Nick Pope, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Hall, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga have all been recalled following their side's 3-2 win against Qarabag earlier this week.
It remains to be seen whether Gordon is leading the line or if the England international is starting on the left.
Subs: Ramsdale, Botman, Osula, Wissa, Barnes, J.Murphy, Willock, A.Murphy, Shahar
Dwight McNeil makes his first appearance since a deadline day move to Crystal Palace collapsed as Everton make four changes for the trip to St James' Park.
The Everton winger looked set to leave the club last month - only for his proposed switch to fall through.
McNeil, Jake O'Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko and Beto all come back into the side following Monday night's defeat against Manchester United.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Everton", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Evertonpublished at 11:19 GMT 28 February
11:19 GMT 28 February
Everton's inconsistency makes them an absolute nightmare to predict, and the fact their away form is much better than their home results doesn't help me much here either.
Anthony Gordon looks sharp as anything up front for Newcastle, with Nick Woltemade playing just in behind.
The Magpies won 4-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium in November and I'd usually back them in this kind of game at St James' Park and be quite confident they would win.
But Everton won here last season and, given how good they are on the road, I just have a sneaky feeling they will get something this time too.
Newcastle United v Everton: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:45 GMT 27 February
19:45 GMT 27 February
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United and Everton will be looking to boost their European hopes when they meet at St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
The Magpies were beaten at Manchester City last weekend but have shown signs of improvement lately. While the cup competitions are likely to be a priority in the remaining weeks of the season, continental qualification through the league is still up for grabs.
As for Everton, they have been one of the standout away teams in the division this season. After back-to-back defeats at home, David Moyes' side could relish being on the road again, even at a potentially tricky venue.
Can Gordon get one over on Everton?
Newcastle will be able to take some heart from the manner in which they performed at City last weekend. Even after a 5,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan, they pushed the title challengers close at the Etihad Stadium.
After four successive games on the road, Eddie Howe would have been glad to get his squad back on home soil in midweek and look to put a concerning run at St James' Park right; they have lost three of their last four domestic home games.
For Anthony Gordon, this fixture means a lot. The forward left Everton in bitter circumstances in 2023 and has made no secret of his admiration for their rivals Liverpool since.
Gordon is yet to score against the Toffees in five appearances against them for Newcastle, and last season he saw a penalty saved by Everton goalkeeper - and Magpies nemesis - Jordan Pickford.
Since then, Gordon has been a dead-eye from the spot for the Magpies, scoring all nine of his penalties. However, his overall form this season has been curious; he has struggled in the Premier League but been sensational in the Champions League.
Pickford set for familiar Newcastle role
Gordon and his Newcastle team-mates will come up against Pickford again this weekend. Unsurprisingly, the former Sunderland goalkeeper frequently takes on the role of pantomime villain in this fixture.
The England international is a boyhood Black Cats fan and clearly taps into the emotion of that rivalry with Newcastle when playing against them.
At times, that has helped Pickford - he has saved two penalties and won various player of the match awards against them - although it has also hindered him, as was evident when he made an error in the 4-1 loss to Newcastle in November.
The goalkeeper remains a vital player for Everton, though, with only three teams conceding fewer goals than the Toffees this season in the Premier League. Pickford, who ranks second in goals prevented compared to expected goals, has played a huge role in that strong defensive record.
Moyes knows he will have to rely on Pickford again this weekend at what is a tricky stadium to visit. At the moment, though, his team look far more confident on the road.
The Blues have the sixth-best away record in the division this season and, since Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, they have won the second-most away points in the Premier League.
A loss this weekend would be a potentially significant blow to their European hopes. The Blues are just three points behind seventh-place Brentford, although Newcastle would leapfrog them with a victory.
Newcastle need iconic St James' Park night against Barcelonapublished at 18:11 GMT 27 February
18:11 GMT 27 February
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United supporters called it.
"Is this the way to Barcelona?" they repeatedly sang during the course of their side's victory against Qarabag on Tuesday night.
So it proved after Newcastle were drawn with the La Liga leaders in the last 16 of the Champions League.
There is plenty of history in this fixture, whether it is Sir Bobby Robson's links to both clubs or Tino Asprilla scoring an unforgettable hat-trick in Newcastle's win in 1997.
The current generation also know each other pretty well, of course.
Newcastle suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Barcelona in their opening game of the league phase at St James' Park back in September.
Although Barcelona dominated possession, as expected, Newcastle players and staff took a lot of belief from their display in the opening half an hour in particular, when the hosts spurned a number of opportunities to open the scoring.
While some supporters would have preferred to face Chelsea, the chance for Newcastle to test themselves against Barcelona, the five-time winners, in the knockout stages is the whole reason the club are in the competition.
The first leg at St James' naturally feels pivotal.
Newcastle would have rather have had the return fixture back on Tyneside but if Eddie Howe's team are to stand any chance of going through, they need one of those nights on home soil before the return fixture at the Nou Camp.
No wonder Howe labelled it a "mouth-watering" prospect.
Jason: We need to keep hold of Gordon!! Have to do everything we can to hold to our best players! Gordon has had a great season for Newcastle so keeping hold of Gordon is vital.
Robin: Gordon has been an excellent signing for the Toon. He's a key member of the squad, and in recent weeks his flexibility to play as an out-and-out number nine or a left winger has produced amazing results. Gordon must stay!
Richard: Newcastle must hang onto their star players, how else will they break into the elite? Gordon must know that a starting place with Arsenal is far from guaranteed, and the grass is not always greener.
Chris: Makes no sense. Where would Gordon slot in at Arsenal? Who would he playing ahead of? When he's on form, he's a guaranteed starter for NUFC. Can't say that would be the case if he were to move. He's a great player, but inclusive at times. Stay put.
Phil: I think, as with any club, players are talked about. He didn't throw his toys out the pram to engineer a move to Liverpool, who he apparently supports, so I don't see him doing anything like that now either. I'd love him to stay but as ever, every player has a price and if it's stupid money it'd be stupid to turn it down.
Andy: Although he is an incredible athlete whose energy and running has been so valuable to the team's rise, I feel we could find a better player whose vision, passing, and crossing could create more goals for our strikers and the team as a whole.
Stuart: I wouldn't be surprised if he left in the summer. Hopefully he has a strong end to the season to boost the potential fee we would recieve. He's a frustrating player for me - exciting to watch but not enough goals.
Colin: Sell him, only wants to play in Champions League games.
Howe on Guimaraes' recovery, Miley's injury and Champions League drawpublished at 10:29 GMT 27 February
10:29 GMT 27 February
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe said Jacob Ramsey will train today and "fingers crossed" he hopes he will be fit to face Everton.
He also provided an update on Tino Livramento's recovery: "I think Tino will be early March. He has done well, he has been training and running for a period of time. I think when he comes back, he will be in a good place."
On Lewis Miley's injury: "We've just been advised with Lewis to be really careful with this injury. A knock of that type is usually a couple of days but there's muscle disruption. I think we're looking at a couple of weeks. If we don't get the management of this injury right, he could be out for the season."
Howe was asked about Bruno Guimaraes who is continuing to recover in his native Brazil: "I've had some good contact with Bruno. He seems very positive about his injury. He is putting in a lot of work and being looked after. We really hope he can come back and give us a real boost before the end of the season but we have to treat his injury carefully. With the hamstring you have to be really careful."
On Friday morning's Champions League round of 16 draw: "It's really special, really positive for us. Just grateful we can't get Man City! We're looking forward to what the draw brings and the games when they come round. I'm sure we'll hear about it on the training ground but we'll be focusing on tomorrow's game."
Howe was asked whether newspaper reports linking Anthony Gordon with a move away could disrupt the player: "Only if he reads it. In this age we're in there's always rumour and speculation. I don't see 90% of it, the players probably see more than I do. It comes with the territory of being a top player. You have to put it out of your brain and focus on the football."
Is there a campaign to unsettle his top players after Gordon links: "You tell me. It is your industry who is creating those stories."
On the challenge posed by the Toffees: "Everton have done really well on their travels, they've been a really tough team to beat. Their record has been fantastic, David's teams are very difficult to score against so it's a game in which our attacking play has to be really good and our defensive work has to be improved from recent weeks."
Newcastle are also watching Union Saint-Gilloise winger Anan Khalaili. The 21-year-old Israel international has scored three times in the Champions League this season. (Mail+ - subscription required), external
Barnes makes his choice - now for the hard partpublished at 15:24 GMT 26 February
15:24 GMT 26 February
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
After much soul-searching Harvey Barnes finally pledged his future to England, and not Scotland. I admire and respect his decision and suspect he will be in next month's England squad for the friendly against Uruguay.
Even so, getting in the final World Cup squad itself is a bit of a long shot considering the conveyor belt of talent that Thomas Tuchel can choose from. The 28-year-old Barnes has only had 17 minutes of international experience with England up until now, so what a finale to the season he will have to produce to change that narrative.
He would certainly have made the Scottish World Cup team, had he decided to don the tartan bunnet, but maybe that attire would have felt uncomfortable for a proud Englishman, I get that.
I wish him well; there is no bitterness from this Scot, but I feel he might have made the wrong decision in terms of his chances of ever actually playing at a World Cup.
Is Tonali back at his best?published at 09:42 GMT 26 February
09:42 GMT 26 February
Media caption,
Former Newcastle full back John Anderson talks about Sandro Tonali being back at his best: "The problem Sandro Tonali had was that he set the standard so high at the start of the season... It was difficult to keep that up all season."
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Who do you want to face in the Champions League?published at 08:36 GMT 26 February
08:36 GMT 26 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who you would prefer as your opponents in the Champions League when the draw is finalised on Friday. Will Newcastle have a better chance to progress further against familiar, domestic opponents? Or do you want the glamour of a clash with Barcelona?
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: No matter which you prefer - it will be Barcelona. No way Uefa will let Barca meet PSG so early in the tournament.
Terry: Playing in European competitions is all about setting your standards against the best. So Barcelona for me.
Darren: I'd prefer Barca, first game being at home as well, however still a tricky game ahead.
John: Barcelona every time. We play Chelsea at least twice every season. European football is about new experiences and excitement and I'm hoping for a special performance from the lads.
Allan: We have a chance against Chelsea.
Ben: I would prefer a clash with Barcelona. While Chelsea are familiar, I think that's the reason I'd want Barcelona. This season has proven to me that our high-pressing style hasn't worked as well with English teams. We've had to adapt. The Champions League shows that it still works against European opposition.
Ed: Both very good teams, but Barcelona better - so Chelsea please.
Lewis: Rather play Barcelona as it would be good seeing Newcastle play strong opposition outside of England.
Herbert: Chelsea. I think over two legs the chances are a lot higher than Barca. Barca would be amazing as a place, but if you look at it through a footballing standpoint, Chelsea is a lot more winnable.
'I did get goose bumps' and 'making Newcastle history is massive'published at 13:40 GMT 25 February
13:40 GMT 25 February
Media caption,
Newcastle defender Alex Murphy says his Champions League debut was a "real special feeling" after starting against Qarabag on Tuesday.
He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "When you're a kid, that's kind of what you dream of, just lining up and the anthem coming on. I did get goose bumps when the anthem came on, and it was a really special feeling just just knowing that you're actually about to play in the Champions League. It was a really good feeling - and hopefully I get many more.
"The season obviously hasn't been easy. I've wanted to go out and play more games, and I thought I would probably play more games.
"When you're getting minutes, it kind of gives you hope. And I think tonight was a big opportunity to me, and I was really grateful to get in from the start.
"I know every minute you get you have to show that you can do something and bring something to the team. I've totally done that, so I was happy."
On starting his debut at left-back and finishing the match at left centre-back: "I've played both those positions most of my life, to be honest. So it's nothing new to me. I'm very familiar with it.
"Probably, long term, I see myself as a left back, but I don't mind as long as I'm playing."
Another Magpies debutant, Leo Shahar, said: "Obviously, getting into the round of 16 hasn't been done before, so making history with this Newcastle United team is massive.
"I got called over by the coach, and I was just like: 'OK, here's my moment, so I've got to relish it and get on the pitch.'
"I was always hoping, based on the scoreline, that this could be my day, but I fought that for the past couple games. You've always got to stay ready. I wanted to get the minutes, so I'm happy."
Meanwhile, former Newcastle defender John Anderson has said it was "good to see the young boys get opportunity".
Analysing the game for BBC Radio Newcastle, Anderson said:"Murphy did OK. He was nice and safe - didn't take any chances. He looked more comfortable and assured at centre-back.
"The fact he's played 90 minutes in the Champions League is great for him.
"Shahar came on too, and for those two young boys it's a night they will remember."
Listen to the full-time chat between Ando and BBC Radio Newcastle's Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck below or here on BBC Sounds
Chelsea or Barcelona?published at 12:25 GMT 25 February
12:25 GMT 25 February
Image source, Getty Images
So, Dwight Gayle has had his say, external on who he believes Newcastle will want to face in the Champions League last 16 when the draw is made on Friday.
The Magpies will either be pitted against Premier League rivals Chelsea or Spanish giants Barcelona in a rematch of the opening game of the league phase with a romantic visit to the Nou Camp for the first time since 2002.
So, we want to know who you would prefer as your opponents.
Will you have a better chance to progress further against familiar, domestic opponents? Or do you want the glamour of a clash with the Catalonians?
'We lost focus and took our foot of the gas' but 'great Alex Murphy debut'published at 11:46 GMT 25 February
11:46 GMT 25 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts on Tuesday's 3-2 win over Qarabag in the Champions League as Newcastle safely reached the last 16.
Here are some of your comments:
Tony: Well, let's start with the important thing, we are through to the next round, and comfortably after the first-half demolition job in Baku. After a fast start at St James' Park, we lost focus and took our foot of the gas. Too many players had an average night against an average opponent. Nick Woltemade doesn't look confident in possession and lacks the physical attributes required to play in midfield. Jacob Murphy is wasteful in possession but improved with his crosses in the second half. Will Osula just doesn't look like a Premier League-standard player. On a positive note, Alex Murphy looked comfortable at left-back and Sandro Tonali ran his socks off.
Richard: Scoring two goals inside the first 10 minutes just killed this game as a spectacle. I don't think you can realistically expect our players to go at it hammer and tongs when the game is so clearly won. I know they're supposed to be professional, but really, when you're 8-1 up on aggregate you're going to take your boot off the pedal. Great debut form young Alex Murphy. He looked the part.
Ozzy: First half wasn't too bad but, despite Anthony Gordon coming on in the second half and looking back to his best, many of the team were poor after the break. Thankfully, Tonali mopped up a lot of other players' mistakes during the match or the score could have been even more embarrassing. The team are certain to raise their game against Chelsea or Barcelona in the next round.
Bryan: I know it was a kind of dead rubber but very disappointed with the performance of our forward players, with the exception of Harvey Barnes. The lack of quality is alarming. We desperately need to recruit better in the next transfer window.
'Newcastle will want Barcelona' - Gaylepublished at 08:31 GMT 25 February
08:31 GMT 25 February
Image source, Getty Images
Former Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle says the clubs' owners will be "very happy" they appointed Eddie Howe after their 2021 takeover because of the journey he has taken the Magpies on since his appointment.
Howe has followed up ending the clubs' long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup last season with qualifying his side for the Champions League knockout stages for the first time.
"It's been absolutely amazing," Gayle told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"I think Newcastle's owners with the takeover looked for someone who they could keep for 10 years and take the club forward.
"In terms of bringing the club together, the players around, and the fans - they almost feel like one.
"I'm sure they will be very happy at that decision and Eddie Howe has taken them to the next stage in terms of winning a trophy and now being in the last 16 of the Champions League which is such an amazing feat.
"I'm so pleased for all the boys who have been there throughout all of this as well. To see them being successful is amazing and I'm sure they'll be really confident going into the next round.
"They have got a lot of players who have come back from injury and they look really strong now. I think they will be full of confidence going into that round of 16."
The Magpies can now look forward to Friday's draw knowing either Chelsea or Barcelona wait in the round of 16.
"Knowing a lot of the boys, I think they will want Barcelona," Gayle added.
"They will be less equipped for Newcastle's counter-attacks and their high line can be caused problems by fast attackers.
"Eddie will be absolutely buzzing to get to grips with the tactical side of things and I think he'd come up with a cunning plan to look after the attacking threat of Barcelona as well. That is a tie that the boys would be buzzing with."
'We have to believe in ourselves'published at 08:11 GMT 25 February
08:11 GMT 25 February
Jacob Murphy did not think twice.
The Newcastle United winger had just been asked whether he wanted Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League.
"Anyone," he immediately responded on Amazon Prime after his side beat Qarabag 3-2 to secure a dominant 9-3 win on aggregate.
"Honestly, with this group of players, we will take anyone on. Especially with knockout football, we back ourselves. Bring on whoever's to come."
It was a mindset shared by his manager.
Newcastle have achieved their initial target of reaching the next round, but head coach Eddie Howe does not want his side's journey to end yet.
He believes his team can "raise our game and compete with anybody".
"We have to believe in ourselves," he said. "We have seen the best of ourselves when we have gone into cup games and one-off games, where we have been able to rise to whatever challenge we have had in front of us.
"We will have to go in with that mindset again, whoever we get in the next round."
Image source, BBC Spo
Image source, BBC Sport
