Newcastle Unitedwelcome Evertonto St James' Park in the Premier League in midweek, with the uncertain future of striker Demba Ba being the major talking point.

Demba Ba
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT, with Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 1 HD and Sky Sports 3D providing live coverage in the UK. You can watch the game's highlights on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 11.05pm GMT.

Overview

The Magpies, who finished fifth in the league last season, are currently on a disastrous run of form and have won only twice in their last 14 matches in all competitions. They scored three goals each in their last two games, but ended up by losing them 4-3 (against Manchester United) and 7-3 (against Arsenal).

Alan Pardew's side are currently 15th in the league table, with 20 points from 20 games and with talisman Ba, who has a £7.5 m release clause, being linked to a host of top European clubs, it can be said that Newcastle are facing a mini-crisis.

Everton, on the other hand, have started the season brightly and are currently in the race for a top four sport, battling the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham. David Maoyes' men were on a good run of late but lost 2-1 to Chelsea at Goodison Park at the weekend, despite looking like the better side for majority of the game.

The Toffees will be keen to bounce back by capitalising on their hosts' distractions when they take on Newcastle. However, history favours the home side in this fixture as Everton have won just three of their 18 top flight visits to St James' Park.

Form Guide

Newcastle United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): L L W L L
  • Last Match: Arsenal 7 - 3 Newcastle United

Everton

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): L W W D W
  • Last Match: Everton 1 - 2 Chelsea
Leighton Baines
Reuters

Team News

Newcastle United: Pardew has several injury concerns as his side goes into this tie. Danny Simpson will miss up to four matches after the defender broke a toe against Arsenal, while Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring), Vurnon Anita, Dan Gosling (both ankle), Jonas Gutierrez, Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic (all knee) remain sidelined.

The Magpies will also be without Yohan Cabaye (groin) and Steven Taylor (hamstring), who both have just returned to training. However, Pardew can welcome back Mike Williamson after a one-game suspension.

Probable Line-up: (4-4-2): Krul; Perch, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Obertan, Tiote, Bigirimana, Marveaux; Ba, Cisse

Everton: Darron Gibson will be out for around a month with a thigh strain. Kevin Mirallas, Seamus Coleman (both hamstring) and Tony Hibbert (calf) are also sidelined, while captain Phil Neville (knee) is doubtful. Meanwhile, Moyes will be delighted with the return of Marouane Fellaini, who is available again after serving a three-match ban.

Probable Line-up: (4-2-3-1): Howard; Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Osman, Hitzlsperger; Naismith, Fellaini, Pienaar; Jelavic

Manchester United FC