Needing to secure their place in the next UEFA Champions League, Newcastle United will host Everton at St James' Park in the final round of Premier League games this Sunday. Eddie Howe's side need to beat their London rivals to secure their place, but any slip-up will likely see the Magpies miss out.
Newcastle must win to avoid a shock in the final round
In one of the fiercest battles for European places in Premier League history, Newcastle will be looking to beat off competition from Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa by taking advantage of their opponents' setbacks to pick up as many points as possible.
It's worth noting that the Magpies could have qualified last week, but a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal (only their second loss in 10 games) means they need to win. In the event of a draw, a win in the Chelsea v Nottingham Forest clash and an Aston Villa victory over Manchester United would see the Magpies out.
Muscle stiffness was the reason why Alexander Isak missed last weekend's game against Newcastle, but there is still a chance of a return this weekend. Even if Isak didn't play, there wouldn't have been many visiting fans surprised to see Callum Wilson brought on in the most recent game.
Everton can equal the record set in the 1980s
In their last four away games at St. James Park, Everton have picked up just one point, even if the most recent match was commendable for sustaining a defense that dealt with the opposition's attacking pressure There's not so much at stake for the visitors, who are guaranteed to finish 13th regardless of the result.
Despite this, Everton have the opportunity to finish the season with three consecutive wins for the first time since the 1980s, and this is a good reason to turn the fans' expectations into great motivation, especially after the 2-0 win over Southampton last weekend.
Pickford should be on the pitch as expected to lead his side out on the final day of the Premier League season, but the expectation is for the presence of captain Samus Coleman, who may have played his last game after leaving the field with a thigh strain.