Sven Botman axed as five changes made: Newcastle predicted XI vs Everton
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Credit: Imago Sven Botman axed as five changes made: Newcastle predicted XI vs Everton Thu 26 February 2026 12:00, UK Eddie Howe is set to name a stronger starting XI against Everton this weekend compared to the one he put out against Qarabag in midweek.Newcastle advanced to the Champions League round of 16 with a 3-2 win over Qarabag at St James’ Park on Tuesday.Howe‘s side had already thrashed their Azerbaijani opponents 6-1 in the play-off first-leg tie, and will now turn their focus back to domestic action as Everton travel to Tyneside on Saturday.The Magpies have struggled for consistency in the Premier League this season, compared to Europe, and currently occupy 11th place after winning just one of their last six top-flight games.It is a vital game that they must win to retain any hopes of qualifying for the Champions League through their league placing, and Football Insider have predicted the line-up that Howe could field.Read more: Newcastle eye Ousmane Diomande deal, £35m offer could be accepted after agreement reachedSven Botman among five players to drop out of Newcastle XI vs EvertonAaron Ramsdale came into the side for some valuable minutes in midweek, but first-choice stopper Nick Pope will expect to return from the off between the sticks against Everton. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Kieran Trippier is Howe’s only fit, senior right-back and so will surely remain in the team, with Lewis Hall coming into the side ahead of Champions League debutant Alex Murphy on the left of the back four.Sven Botman returned from injury and scored against Qarabag, but his fitness is set to be managed carefully for the time being, with Malick Thiaw likely to return to the team in his place next to Dan Burn.Sandro Tonali has stepped up in Bruno Guimaraes’ absence, so he should continue in midfield, with Joelinton and Nick Woltemade set to play in more advanced central areas, as they did in midweek.Anthony Elanga will expect to return to the starting XI over Jacob Murphy on the right flank to stretch a slow Toffees defence, while Harvey Barnes should retain his place on the left.Anthony Gordon has been trusted to start as a striker in recent weeks, and while Yoane Wissa will be in Howe’s thinking, the England star looks set to be included in the starting XI once more.Read more: Newcastle star has now surely ended Joe Willock’s career at the clubWhat has Howe said about Woltemade playing in midfield?Woltemade arrived on Tyneside as a number nine and has played there for the majority of the season up until the last few weeks.His recent barren run in front of goal saw Howe switch him into midfield, behind the starting striker, and he looks set to continue playing there for now after what the Newcastle boss recently said.Speaking this week, he enthused: “Nick is very, very happy playing the role that he has done the last few games, there’s no fight with him on that.
“He’s very much all in because he wants to showcase his best skills and his best skills are technically helping us link play.Credit: Imago“But what we’ve seen which maybe has surprised me, has been his tactical understanding and his ability to understand the press, understand what he needs to do defensively, he’s been excellent.“He does have a sort of freedom on the ball to take up central positions. He has the freedom to drift to a degree across the pitch, so he’s not in a stranglehold by the position in one place.“Now, just starting lower and staying in the middle line, I don’t think is a great change.
Of course, there’s different things you need to bring in that position, but I think he’s played really, really well there the last few games. I’ve been very impressed with him.”Stay connected while travelling and watch your favourite team securely on public Wi-Fi with Proton VPN.