Newcastle United

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Newcastle United have been given a big lift in their pursuit of Champions League football with the return of outstanding striker Alexander Isak after he recovered from a groin problem. He comes in for Callum Wilson following the defeat at Arsenal.

Newcastle starting XI: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn, Murphy, Tonali, Guimaraes (c), Barnes, Isak, Gordon

Subs: Dubravka, Krafth, Lascelles, Longstaff, Miley, Osula, Trippier, Willock, Wilson

Michael Keane starts for Everton in defence, replacing the injured Jarrad Branthwaite, while Carlos Alcaraz comes in for Abdoulaye Doucoure, who leaves the club at the end of the season.

Jack Harrison also starts, with Dwight McNeil dropping to the bench.

Everton starting XI: Pickford (c), Mykolenko, O'Brien, Keane, Young, Gueye, Garner, Ndiaye, Alcaraz, Harrison, Beto

Subs: Begovic, Broja, Calvert-Lewin, Doucoure, McNeil, Joao Virginia, Patterson, Youssef Chermiti, Welch

All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Bournemouth v Leicester City

• Fulham v Man City

• Ipswich v West Ham

• Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Man Utd v Aston Villa

• Newcastle v Everton

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Southampton v Arsenal

• Tottenham v Brighton

• Wolves v Brentford - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

All kick-off times 16:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here

A reminder of what Newcastle require today to secure a return to the Champions League for next season.

Eddie Howe's side know a win at home against Everton will guarantee them a place in the top five regardless of results elsewhere.

A draw would be enough if Aston Villa drop points against Manchester United or Chelsea do not win at Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle are at home, and their superior goal difference means they know any sort of win will keep them in the Champions League places regardless of what Aston Villa do.

I usually fancy Eddie Howe's side to win when they are at St James' Park but there are serious doubts over Alexander Isak's fitness, which is a real worry. I would have a different feeling if he was in the team.

On top of that, Everton are an awkward team to break down, who also carry an attacking threat with Beto in such good form.

So, I do not think this will be straightforward at all. I am still backing the Magpies, but I would not be surprised if Everton nicked a point.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Newcastle and Liverpool are set to battle it out for Brighton's 23-year-old Brazilian forward Joao Pedro. (Talksport, external)

The Magpies will compete with Napoli, Juventus and Roma to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina, 27. (Marca, via Sportwitness, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

With the 2024-25 Premier League season coming to a close, we would love to hear what you think of this club page.

A huge thank you to those who have already submitted their responses and have interacted with the page in any capacity throughout the campaign.

We are continuously working to improve your experience and bring you the best possible content and coverage of your team.

It is your club and your voice.

So what do you like?

And what could be improved?

Send thoughts here

We asked you to pick your player of the season after our Newcastle fan contributor narrowed it down to Dan Burn, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak.

Here are some of your comments on your selection:

Ruth: Burn has had the season of his career and fully deserves any and all accolades heading his way. It was a difficult choice to make, as all three other contenders have been crucial to Newcastle's success this season - but Big Dan is the man for me. He's made himself absolutely invaluable in defence and, of course, topped off his greatest season so far with an absolute peach of a goal at Wembley. What a man, what a header! You'll never, ever beat Dan Burn, he's from Blyth... a fantastic local underdog story. I salute you, sir.

Paul: Tonali is player of the season for me. I did have doubts at first after the gambling revelations and thought Milan had offloaded him knowing fine well what was coming. But now, I think Newcastle are a much better team with him. He goes about his business in midfield in a no-nonsense and hard-working - but at the same time classy - manner. He purrs when he's on the ball like a luxury car. I wish he would smile more though!

Alex: Tino Livramento has been consistent all season. While others might have shined on their occasion, Tino has been solid in performance and versatile in position. Right-back, left-back, wing-back, he puts a shift in every game. Completely silenced Mohamed Salah in the cup final and was pivotal in Isak's winning goal at Wembley too.

Graham: Tonali for sure. Even before he gets the ball he is looking to see where the other 21 players are and that allows him to hold, pass or run with the ball. His energy and awareness are incredible. Best midfielder I have seen at Newcastle.

Gergely: Our success is obviously based on a very good team effort. Many other players had outstanding seasons, but for me this year is Burn's. His is simply a Geordie fairytale.

Harry: Sandro has been by far the most consistent player in the team and his tank hasn't run out all season. Phenomenal campaign and has proved that it was worth the wait to see him in the midfield. Just like to say though, Murphy shouldn't be included in a conversation like this. Could drag a better player out from a Sunday league team.

Don't forget to make your selection here

Image source, Getty Images

Having lost six of their nine home league games against Everton between 2011 and 2019 , Newcastle are now unbeaten in their past four against the Toffees.

However, Everton have only kept more clean sheets against West Ham (23) and Liverpool (21) than they have against Newcastle in the Premier League (18).

Newcastle have won their final league game in eight of the past 10 seasons, with the exceptions a 3-1 loss against Liverpool (2019-20) and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea (2022-23).

Everton have only won their final league game in one of the past eight seasons, beating Bournemouth 1-0 in 2022-23.

Holly Bacon
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Everton at St James' Park (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Eddie Howe said the next couple of days will be "crucial" to Alexander Isak's availability against Everton: "He's doing OK. He hasn't trained with us yet but he's made good progress through the week. There's a chance."

• He added that Joelinton won't be back for Sunday but envisages he will be back for pre-season with no problems.

• On Kieran Tripper, Howe said: "He hasn't trained with us yet. He's had an absence of two, two and a half weeks but has a chance maybe in the next couple of days to build up his load and maybe we will see him train tomorrow. Let's wait and see."

• Howe said the mood has been really good but there was a disappointment after the Arsenal game from the result, not the performance. Howe said: "Training has been lively this week. The lads have been in good spirits. I think they're looking forward to the challenge we face on Sunday."

• He said the most "surreal" moment for him this season was the cup final experience and scenes that followed but "hopes there's another one to come and that potentially could be Sunday because we shouldn't underestimate the size of the achievement".

• The Newcastle boss was asked whether he'll be keeping an eye on results elsewhere on Sunday: "I don't think we can look for any favours from anybody. We have to do our bit and that's purely going to be the only thing in our minds. There will be no talk of other results or other teams. What will be, will be in that respect. Afterwards we'll see and reflect, but we know what we have to do."

• On the summer: "My mindset is always the same when you come to this time of the year. You want to act quickly because usually the best available options will move quite quickly. If you're too late to react, you can miss out on potential transfers that really could make the difference. We pride ourselves on identifying our targets quickly and then we have to act quickly and efficiently as a football club."

• Howe said that they plan to return for pre-season on 7 July.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra (7 June) and friendly against Senegal (10 June).

Manchester City's Phil Foden, Newcastle's Tino Livramento and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen all miss out, but Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Trevoh Chalobah have been selected.

Image source, Newcastle United FC

Newcastle United have released their new home kit which they say is a "a fresh twist" on their classic black and white stripes.

The shirt features 'Howay the Lads' on the back of the neck, while the shirt for the women's team has 'Howay the Lasses'.

Peter Silverstone, chief commercial fficer at Newcastle United, believes their new shirt also provides a way to help the community.

"This season's kit launch is about more than just what our players wear on the pitch – it's about supporting our community," he said.

"Building on our home kit foundation donation initiative of last year, this year, for every adult home, away and third shirt sold through official club channels before the end of August we'll be donating £5 to the Newcastle United Foundation."

They will debut the new strip on Sunday in their final game of the season against Everton at St James' Park.

Newcastle United have beaten Barcelona and Real Madrid to the signing of 18-year-old Spanish winger Antonio Cordero from Malaga. (Chronicle), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The final day of the 2024-25 Premier League is edging closer, which means we will soon know the answer to who will make up the remaining Champions League spots.

Five teams are in contention for the final three positions and earlier on Thursday, we asked you to put in order where you thought those clubs would finish.

The results showed Chelsea and Nottingham Forest - who face each other at the City Ground - are who you believe will be the sides to miss out.

However it pans out, it is set to be an afternoon of high tension.

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Qualifying for the Champions League is vital for Newcastle United for several reasons. For us fans, I think it has a hugely symbolic significance - it was not a fluke that we made it there two seasons ago.

The Champions League is where we want to be and where we belong. It also means the return of huge nights for fans - the 4-1 against Paris St-Germain at St James' Park in 2023 is an historic memory for so many.

From a club side, it means money. Lovely old PSR-eligible money. The difference between Champions League revenue and Europa League revenue is huge. It matters so much in this age of spreadsheets and accounting that we find ourselves in.

Of course, it means we are more likely to keep our paws on elite players like Sandro Tonali, Alexander Isak, and Bruno Guimaraes. It also means we might be an attractive prospect for other players. Come and live in the North East, guys! We have so many bridges! Play for us!

So then, on to the final game. The one where we have to get it done.

We made the mistake of getting too sentimental before the cup final two years ago and we lost. We learned from that and treated this year like business and we won.

So let's do the business against Everton.

I want this team and this management to hear that we all have it in us for one last huge push. Whatever happens, this has been an epic season. Let's make it the very best it can be.

Let's get back to the Champions League - where we all know we belong.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

Each team in the race for the top five will have to keep an eye on other results, but deep down, you just want to be able to focus on your own business.

You want to be able to win your game out on the pitch, but the nature of the matches are really different. You have the head-to-head between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Then you have the likes of Manchester City playing away, Aston Villa playing away, you have got Newcastle playing at home against Everton, and when you are at home you are always going to be tough to play. So it is going to be a really, really nervous phase for all those teams involved.

How do I see it playing out? I am not sure I could tell you right now which way it is going to go. It just comes down to moments, and that is really cliche but a one-off game is almost like a final. As it stands, to go into the weekend knowing that you have a real chance, the fans of all the teams will be nervous, but you are one win away from being there.

As a player on the pitch, you absolutely get a sense of what is going on elsewhere, especially if you are at home.

You know what is happening, but then how does that affect your game? You could be losing, you could be up against it at one point, but then other teams start losing or drawing and you are back in the qualifying spots. How do you manage the next moments? How do you manage the last 10 to 15 minutes of the game when a result is one way or the other? Teams can score multiple goals in the blink of an eye, and desperation is one of the real causes for that. All of a sudden, when the kitchen sink is being thrown at people, anything is possible.

As a player, it can be really exciting. You want things to be going your way, but it is very hard to only focus on your game when other things matter at the same time. There is a double level of anxiety because you can control one thing but you cannot control the other, so you can't ever be comfortable.

From the outside, it is an exciting situation, but from the inside, you just hope that you are winning your game of football so you can just take all that out of it.

The 'as it stands' type days, they are some of the best days in football.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

The race for the three remaining Champions League qualification spots in the Premier League is going right down to the wire.

With one round of fixtures remaining, just three points separate Manchester City in third and Nottingham Forest in seventh.

With five teams vying for three positions, it leaves some clubs with their fate in their own hands, while others will be relying on favours to secure their place.

Newcastle United and Chelsea know that wins will guarantee them spots in Europe's elite competition in 2025-26.

And, with a two points and a 17-goal cushion, just a point but would all but guarantee City a place.

Nottingham Forest, who have spent much of the season occupying one of those top five spots, will need to beat Chelsea and hope for a slip up from teams above them, while Aston Villa will also be hoping for a bit of help from elsewhere.

It is set to be an anxious Sunday for those watching in the stadium and elsewhere.

But where do you think all five teams will finish?

Make your selection here

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

We asked our Newcastle fan contributor for their four candidates for player of the season and you can now select your top one.

Dan Burn

This season saw us lose Sven Botman at centre-back and we just... haven't really noticed. That's because Big Dan Burn easily slipped into this place and has held his line expertly. Not to mention the opening goal in the Carabao Cup final, helping us secure our first domestic cup in 70 years.

Jacob Murphy

We were so worried in January that we were going to be left totally lost on the right-hand side of attack. Enter Murphy who has gone on to provide eight Premier League goals and 12 assists to date. All with a massive grin on his face.

Sandro Tonali

Midfield maestro from Milano. This season has seen us unlock this player who somehow seems to get better and better each game. He has slotted into this holding midfielder/attacking hybrid role with ease, pushing play up the pitch and being instrumental in crucial wins.

Alexander Isak

We cannot ignore the goal contribution and skill of the ice cold Alexander Isak this season. For a player who isn't getting the service he wants, he still has an incredible 23 Premier League goals and the winning goal at the Carabao Cup final. There is so much more to come from him - which is such an exciting prospect.

Pick your 2024-25 Newcastle player of the season from our shortlist here

And tell us why you're picking who you are, or why you'd have gone for another player not on the list, here

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external