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Everton being given a “huge boost” last weekend doesn’t mean they’ll be able to beat Newcastle United on 5 October, Paul Merson has said.

Speaking to Sportskeeda (3 October), Merson said that following their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, a mountain of pressure has been lifted off the Toffees’ shoulders.

The former England midfielder argued that while Newcastle are a stronger side on paper and could come away victorious from Goodison Park, he doesn’t see either side edging a game which will finish 1-1.

Merson said: “Everton steadied their ship with a good win over Crystal Palace last weekend – so there’s not much pressure on them now compared to the previous weeks.

“That helps Everton more than you think and it could be a huge boost for them.

“If both teams play to the best of their abilities, then Newcastle will win – I’m not sure that’ll be the case here though, a draw looks more likely with both teams finding the back of the net.”

Everton well-placed to make it two wins from two v Newcastle

The Toffees’ 2-1 victory over Palace will undoubtedly have eased the burden on players, coaches and fans alike, as Sean Dyche’s side climbed out of the Premier League’s bottom three at the sixth attempt.

Staying above the trapdoor is imperative this season, with a brand-new stadium to move into next year and new ownership finally coming through the doors in the form of Dan Friedkin.

Everton beating Crystal Palace 2-1 last weekend has eased the pressure on Sean Dyche

Jarrad Branthwaite’s return to the team following injury trouble, coupled with Friedkin’s arrival and a first win of the season, means that for the first time in a long time, optimism is high on Merseyside’s blue half.

With a wave of progress behind them, Dyche will be hoping his Toffees side can build on that progress with a statement victory, against a Newcastle side fresh from holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.

Merson predicting the same scoreline at Goodison may have been done so with a pinch of salt, but the Blues coming away with at least a point from this fixture would show that their revival is well and truly on.

In other Everton news, the manager at the top of Dan Friedkin’s list to replace Sean Dyche has identified his first transfer target.

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