The Newcastle vs Everton matchup is always one to watch, especially in recent seasons, as Newcastle has developed into a team with a potent attacking style under Eddie Howe. Everton, under Sean Dyche, is typically known for a more conservative and defensive approach. So, if Newcastle’s attacking style is firing on all cylinders, it could be a significant challenge for Everton to withstand.

Newcastle’s Attacking Style Under Eddie Howe:

Newcastle’s evolution since Howe took over has been impressive. The team has adopted a more modern, high-intensity attacking style that relies on pace, quick transitions, and fluid movement. Here are some key tactical aspects of Newcastle’s attack:

1. High Press and Fast Transitions:
   • One of the key features of Newcastle’s play is their high press. When they lose the ball, they press aggressively to win it back as quickly as possible, typically in advanced positions. This can force turnovers high up the pitch, allowing them to capitalize on unorganized defenses.
   • When they win the ball, their counter-attacks are quick and direct, often using the pace of Miguel Almirón, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Alexander Isak to exploit space behind the opposition’s defense.
2. Pacey Wingers and Wide Play:
   • Saint-Maximin and Almirón are both incredibly fast and direct, offering width and providing plenty of width to stretch the opposition. This is crucial for Newcastle’s attacking system because it forces defenders to spread out and creates space in the middle for the likes of Bruno Guimarães or Joe Willock to make late runs into the box.
   • Their speed allows Newcastle to exploit any gaps in the opposition’s defense, especially on the counter.
3. Fluid Forward Play:
   • Up front, Isak and Callum Wilson provide versatility, with Isak offering technical ability and clever movement, while Wilson is an out-and-out goal poacher. Howe’s system encourages fluid rotations among the forwards, which makes it difficult for defenses to track their movement and provide constant pressure.
   • This fluidity in attack also makes Newcastle dangerous in the final third, as multiple players can contribute to goals in a variety of ways.
4. Build-Up from Deep:
   • Newcastle looks to build from the back, with Kieran Trippier providing excellent delivery from the right, and Dan Burn offering a solid base to link play. The central midfielders, particularly Guimarães, are key in controlling the tempo and playing through the lines to set up attacks. This build-up play can overwhelm an opponent if they don’t stay compact and organized.

Everton’s Defensive Approach Under Sean Dyche:

Everton, under Dyche, is typically much more focused on defensive solidity and organization, looking to stay compact and frustrate opponents. The focus is often on structure and limiting space rather than playing expansive attacking football.

1. Defensive Shape and Compactness:
   • Dyche’s teams are known for their compact defensive shape. Everton typically defends deep, with their midfielders dropping back to form a solid block in front of the defense. This can make it difficult for attacking teams to break them down, as they often struggle to find space in tight areas.
   • The defense is built on staying disciplined and blocking passing lanes, and this can frustrate teams that rely on fluid attacking movements, like Newcastle.
2. Counter-Attacks:
   • Although Everton’s main focus is on defense, Dyche’s side is also capable of counter-attacking when they win possession. They look for quick transitions, using Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil to exploit space and create attacking chances, although their attacking play is more conservative and direct compared to teams like Newcastle.
3. Set Pieces:
   • Everton can also be a threat from set pieces. Dyche’s teams are traditionally strong at attacking and defending set pieces, often relying on physicality to create opportunities or defend against them. Players like James Tarkowski and Yerry Mina provide height and aerial threat in these situations.

How Newcastle Could Dominate:

1. Exploiting Space Behind Everton’s Defense:
   • Given Everton’s more defensive nature, Newcastle’s pace and quick transitions could be a significant weapon. Players like Almirón, Saint-Maximin, and Isak can exploit any spaces left behind by Everton’s deeper defensive line. If they can pull Everton’s defense out of shape, particularly in wide areas, it could lead to dangerous situations for the Toffees.
2. Breaking Down a Compact Defense:
   • One of the biggest challenges for teams playing against Dyche’s sides is breaking down a compact defense. However, Newcastle has creativity in midfield, particularly with Guimarães and Willock, who can pick out passes to unlock packed defensive blocks. The combination of their technical ability and the pace of their wingers will likely be crucial in creating goal-scoring chances.
3. High Press and Quick Transitions:
   • Everton may struggle to deal with Newcastle’s high press, especially if they are caught in possession in dangerous areas. This could lead to turnovers and give Newcastle a chance to capitalize on an unorganized defense. Given that Everton often plays with a low block, Newcastle will want to ensure that they win the ball high up the pitch and exploit the gaps in transition.
4. Dynamic Forward Play:
   • The fluid movement of Isak and Wilson could cause problems for Everton’s defense. Dyche’s defense tends to stay organized but can struggle with quick attackers who interchange positions frequently. If Newcastle’s forwards rotate and make clever runs, they could drag Everton’s defenders out of position, creating space for runners like Guimarães to exploit.

Everton’s Defensive Challenges:

While Dyche’s side is tough to break down, Everton could be exposed if they don’t stay disciplined. Newcastle’s attacking pace could stretch their defense and force mistakes. If the Toffees are caught on the back foot, their low block may be too vulnerable, particularly with Newcastle’s ability to flood the box with numbers.