Chris Sutton shares Thierno Barry verdict as prediction made for Everton vs Newcastle

Thierno Barry is still searching for his first Everton goal since joining the club in the summer.

Everton welcome Newcastle this weekend, marking the first time in three years that the Toffees will take on the Magpies while sitting above them in the Premier League table. The last time this was the case came in 2022, when Everton suffered a 3–1 defeat.

David Moyes will be eager to build on Everton’s impressive 1–0 away win at Manchester United, though Chris Sutton has warned that Newcastle may not make things easy.

Everton’s lingering striker concerns

Despite the lack of a goal, Barry produced a strong performance at Old Trafford. According to Sofascore, the 6’7″ forward won 14 aerial duels against United and completed 15 of his 25 passes, providing a reliable outlet when Everton needed to relieve pressure.

But when giving his thoughts on the upcoming clash, Sutton once again pointed to Everton’s lack of cutting edge up front. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said:

“Everton have something about them going forward, and they’re great to watch, but they’re just missing a goalscorer.
Thierno Barry did all right. He didn’t look like he was going to score, but with 10 men, he worked hard and got on the end of a lot of balls.”

Sutton added that whether it is Barry or Beto who starts, both desperately need a goal, noting that Beto hasn’t scored since August and Barry has yet to find the net this season.

He believes Newcastle will have their spells in the match but stopped short of predicting an away win, instead opting for a 1–1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Moyes facing selection headaches

For most of the campaign, Moyes has largely stuck with a consistent XI, but Saturday’s meeting will force him into at least two changes. Idrissa Gueye’s red card against Manchester United means he now begins a three-game suspension, and Seamus Coleman’s injury leaves a gap in defence.

Tim Iroegbunam is expected to come in for Gueye, while Jake O’Brien should return to the starting lineup at right-back — even though many feel he is better suited to a central defensive role.

Everton’s midfield depth is limited, so if Iroegbunam does earn the start, it will present him with a valuable opportunity to claim a long-term place in the side.