Matt Ritchie celebrates his winner for Newcastle against Arsenal
Matt Ritchie celebrates his winner for Newcastle against Arsenal

Free football preview and betting tips: Everton v Newcastle United


Matt Ritchie is Nick Hext's player to back when Newcastle travel to Everton for Monday night's Premier League game.

Monday's Premier League recommended bets

1pt Matt Ritchie to score in Everton v Newcastle at 5/1

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record


Everton v Newcastle United (2000 BST, Sky Sports Main Event)

The Everton headlines ahead of Monday night's clash against Newcastle have been dominated by a survey asking for supporters to mark Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff out of 10.

Allardyce has described the survey as "a mistake", although he was more than happy to give his management an "11" in Thursday's pre-match press conference.

I don't think Allardyce will remain in charge of the Toffees next season despite a decent effort to get the Goodison Park club out of trouble and into the top half.

Everton have drawn their last couple of matches against Liverpool and Swansea but that sees their form a long away short of the Newcastle juggernaut.

The Magpies are out to claim their fifth victory in a row. The highlight of the run that has lifted them clear of trouble was last weekend's 2-1 win at home to Arsenal.

Matt Ritchie scored the winner against the Gunners and the Scotland international has bagged three goals in his last six appearances for Newcastle.

These goals for Ritchie ended his wait to find the back of the net this season.

The former Bournemouth winger bagged 16 goals as Newcastle won the Sky Bet Championship title last term and he's always been a performer that has impressed me.

I reckon 5/1 is too big for a Ritchie goal at Goodison so a small stake is recommended for the 28-year-old to strike.

Newcastle have drawn at Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in their last four away games and I expect to see a point gained for Rafael Benitez's men at Goodison.

The Magpies sit 10th and they will be wary of Everton's strong home record against the teams below them in the Premier League table.

Everton have won seven of the eight matches against sides in the bottom half of the standings prior to this weekend's matches, drawing with West Brom and awaiting Southampton's trip north on May 5.

Despite plenty of criticism surrounding Allardyce's approach, Everton are a tough side to beat and a point apiece is a decent enough outcome for both clubs.

Score prediction: Everton 1-1 Newcastle (Sky Bet's odds: 9/2)

Best bet: Matt Ritchie to score at 5/1

Alternative bet: Everton to draw against Newcastle at 12/5

Preview posted at 1515 BST on 20/04/18

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