- Everton are the slight favourites at 59/50, ahead of Newcastle at 41/20 and the draw at 51/20.
- Everton have won three of the last five head-to-heads, with one win and one draw for Newcastle.
- David Moyes has Everton set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 formation with defensive structure as the base.
Cagey contest likely at Hill Dickinson
Newcastle have been beaten in their last two Premier League fixtures and Everton will be tough to turn around in this cup fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Magpies lost 4-1 away at Coventry last weekend and were beaten 1-0 at home by Aston Villa just three days later.
The Toffees have also taken two points from their last two games after a 2-2 draw away at Hull and a 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea last week.
The hosts have been solid in all competitions lately, winning four, drawing five and losing just one of their last ten and they have three wins, two draws and one defeat from six home matches in all events.
Newcastle have four wins, two draws and four defeats from their last 10 in all contests and although they are unbeaten in four home games, they have two wins and two defeats from four trips away.
Jaissle’s press to test Everton’s structure
A close game is expected here as Everton and Newcastle are both in transition under different coaching styles.
Matthias Jaissle's Magpies press high and play on the front foot, attacking quickly, while David Moyes has set up his Toffees in a 4-2-3-1 formation that absorbs pressure and looks to punish teams when they are exposed on the break.
Everton are the more likely winner, but the Magpies may have enough quality to avoid defeat in a tight match-up.
A both teams to score - yes bet at 13/20 looks like a smart alternative play for this game, but with Everton more in control at home and Newcastle not quite firing right now, the edge must go to a home win.
Thierno Barry key for Everton
Thierno Barry has been the Toffees' main goal threat recently with two strikes in their four goals across the last five games, so back him to trouble Newcastle on Thursday.
Joseph Willock has been Newcastle's most reliable threat in recent matches with two goals in five games in a spell where they have scored only five times in as many fixtures.
