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Newcastle United are playing their final match of a very disappointing 2014 today against an out of form Everton side. Both teams desperately need a win after an average first half of the campaign, with both holding hopes of a European challenge, but that’s looking unlikely given their current positions. Either team would benefit from a victory to carry momentum into the new year.
Newcastle have conceded 3 or more goals eleven times in 2014, which is the highest for a calender year since 1975. In our last 38 matches, we have only picked up 42 points, which is relegation form in anybody’s definition, but Pardew is as safe as houses, especially after a modest winning run. Alan Pardew has lost 21 of his last 38 matches in charge of Newcastle, which is a worrying stat, considering he isn’t close to the door. Fan pressure will build again and the next two matches at home are crucial. Newcastle have had a difficult run and with a trip to Chelsea to come, they need to gain some momentum against Everton and Burnley.
Everton were excellent last year as Roberto Martinez showed he had the character to lead a bigger club than Wigan after taking his side to the brink of Champions League qualification. However with the added pressure of the Europa League, his side have struggled as the squad have been stretched and key injuries and players being out of form have hindered them so far. They’ve lost four of their last six matches in the league, over a difficult run, but Martinez would have been hoping for better results against Southampton and Burnley. Continue reading