Everton travel to Newcastle tonight (February 8) as Frank Lampard takes charge of his first Premier League match as Toffees manager.

Lampard enjoyed a winning start to life in the Goodison hot seat with a comfortable 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup.

But now his focus is on climbing the Premier League table – away from the relegation battle.

The Blues will be boosted by the arrival of midfield duo Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek, with the pair joining the Goodison Park side on a two-year deal and a six-month loan respectively.

Former Chelsea and Derby County manager Lampard also confirmed Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be in the matchday squad which may prove crucial in this season’s relegation scrap.

Anwar El Ghazi could also be involved for the trip to St James’ Park, but he faces competition from the likes of Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray, who are both expected to retain their places in the starting 11.

Defender Ben Godfrey was substituted in the first half against Brentford due to injury, with Lampard confirming he will miss the next 4-5 weeks with a hamstring injury.

Midfielders Abdoulaye Doucoure and Fabian Delph are also expected to be out of action for another month.

Everton, currently 16th in the Premier League, are winless against 19th placed Newcastle in their last three matches, having not won against the Magpies since December 2019.

Eddie Howe has brought in reinforcements during the January transfer window, with Chris Wood, Matt Targett, Kieran Trippier and record signing Bruno Guimaraes all coming in to help in their survival push.

Guimaraes in particular is a coup for Newcastle, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal reportedly interested in signing the former Lyon midfielder.

After tonight, Everton face another relegation rival in Leeds United on Saturday.

(Featured image courtesy of Everton FC)

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