Newcastle vs Everton Live: Kick-Off Time, TV Channel, Team News & Real-Time Score Updates

St James’ Park braces for a high-stakes finale this afternoon as Newcastle United host Everton in the Premier League’s last round of 2024-25. Eddie Howe’s side know that victory over the Toffees guarantees a top-five finish – and with it a coveted Champions League return – while anything less could leave the door ajar for Chelsea or Aston Villa to leapfrog them during the 4 p.m. BST simultaneous kick-offs. H2: Confirmed line-ups Newcastle (3-4-3): Pope; Schär, Botman, Burn; Murphy, Guimarães, Tonali, Livramento; Barnes, Isak, Gordon. Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Young, Keane, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Harrison, Alcaraz, Ndiaye; Beto. Alexander Isak shakes off a groin concern to lead the line, replacing Callum Wilson, while Jordan Pickford once more lines up against the club he loves to frustrate. H2: What’s on the line for Newcastle? • Win: Newcastle finish no lower than fourth and book Champions League football. • Draw: Champions League berth still likely, but only if Aston Villa fail to beat Manchester United or Chelsea drop points at Nottingham Forest. • Defeat: Howe’s men could tumble to sixth, meaning Europa League – or worse – if other results turn hostile. H2: Everton eye statement finish Sean Dyche’s men are mathematically safe in 13th but can climb into the top half with an away upset, adding a lucrative purse boost and momentum for the summer rebuild. Pickford’s Sunderland roots add extra needle; the England No 1 has saved two of the last three penalties he’s faced at St James’ Park and thrives on the Gallowgate end’s boos. H2: Key battles to watch • Isak vs Pickford: The Swede tops Newcastle’s scoring charts with 18 league goals despite three separate injury layoffs. Pickford, meanwhile, sits fourth in the Premier League’s shot-stopping percentage rankings. • Guimarães & Tonali vs Garner & Gueye: Midfield control will dictate whether Newcastle’s wing-backs can pin Everton deep or whether the visitors find Harrison and Ndiaye on the break. • Gordon’s pace down the left: The former Everton academy graduate roasted his old side in December’s 4-1 win at Goodison Park and has since hit double-digit goals and assists. H2: Recent form and head-to-head Newcastle: L W W W L Everton: W D L W D The Magpies have taken 16 of the last 18 points at home, including statement wins over Arsenal and Chelsea. Everton, however, are unbeaten in three away games and claimed a 1-0 victory here last season courtesy of a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin header. H2: Tactical snapshot Expect Newcastle’s wide overloads: Murphy and Livramento will push high, forcing Everton’s full-backs into a dilemma – track runners or double up on Gordon and Barnes. Dyche counters with a narrow 4-4-1-1 out of possession, funneling traffic into Idrissa Gueye’s tackles before launching direct passes toward Beto’s physical hold-up play. Second-ball duels around the midway line could be decisive. H2: Injury and suspension table • Newcastle: Callum Wilson (bench), Joelinton (thigh), Emil Krafth (returning), Matt Targett (Achilles) out. • Everton: Calvert-Lewin only fit enough for the bench; Dele and Onana remain long-term absentees. H2: Prediction With a Champions League place dangling and a raucous St James’ Park atmosphere expected, Newcastle’s intensity should edge a stubborn Everton. Newcastle 2-1 Everton. H2: How to watch UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League – coverage from 3:30 p.m. BST. US: Peacock Premium stream at 11 a.m. ET. Worldwide: Check local listings or the official Premier League app. Expect live updates, post-match reaction and player ratings here once the whistle blows.