Preview: Everton vs. Newcastle United

Everton manager Roberto Martinez knows that his team must record three points against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon to ease the pressure on his role at the club.

Martinez has guided the Toffees to a memorable campaign in the Europa League, but the problems lie in domestic action with just six wins being recorded since August.

Everton have registered just two points from their last five league games, and they need points on the board to avoid getting drawn into a relegation battle.

Martinez has doubts over John Stones, Leighton Baines and Leon Osman, while Gareth Barry is banned, but the Spaniard can welcome back Aaron Lennon after he missed the 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kiev.

Newcastle make the trip to Goodison Park sitting comfortably in mid-table, but boss John Carver knows that he needs to win games in order to retain the role next year.

Eight points from their previous six fixtures is a respectable return for the Magpies but they still remain four points adrift of a place in the top half of the standings.

Carver could call upon Ayoze Perez to replace Papiss Cisse, who begins a seven-match ban after spitting at Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

The North-East outfit are also boosted by the return of midfield duo Remy Cabella and Jack Colback.

Everton:

Form in Premier League: WDLDLL Form in all competitions: WDWLLW

Possible starting lineup: Howard, Garbutt, Jagielka, Alcaraz, Coleman, McCarthy, Besic, Mirallas, Lennon, Naismith, Lukaku

Newcastle United:

Recent form: WDDLWL

Possible starting lineup: Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, R.Taylor, Obertan, Sissoko, Colback, Cabella, Riviere, Perez

Sports Mole says: 1-1