Sven Botman doubtful for Toffees test, says Eddie Howe | OneFootball

The Magpies travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time to face David Moyes' Toffees, who sit three points above United, and will be determined to return to winning ways on the road following four successive away defeats across all competitions.

Howe, who celebrates his 48th birthday tomorrow, is hopeful Botman will be available for selection ahead of this weekend's visit to Merseyside but admitted he will remain without the services of Kieran Trippier, with the right-back ruled out to a hamstring injury.

Here are some of the boss' main talking points at Friday's pre-match media briefing, held at the Newcastle United Media Centre...

On team-news, including Botman and Trippier...

"Nothing major from the game [against Marseille]. We will look at the lads today. Sven Botman has been nursing a back problem the last few days.

"Kieran Trippier had a scan on his hamstring. We think it is roughly around a month, give or take. Emil Krafth came back from international duty with a knee issue, but he will be good. Whether he's fit for this game, it's probably too soon."

On Yoane Wissa's progress:

"Yoane is doing well. He trained with us for the first time on Wednesday when we came back from Marseille. I was really pleased with how he looked. It was the first time with the group. Hopefully, he will train again today."

On Nick Pope...

"All options are on the table. As I always do with team selection, I need to think long and hard about who I pick and I'll try to do that on merit. I get the luxury of seeing the players train everyday, goalkeepers included.

"Nick is vastly experienced and a very level character. You don't see huge highs or lows even when he plays well and makes world-class saves that he does on a regular basis.

"He's still very calm and relaxed, absorbs it all and I think that's one of the true hallmarks of any player in that position, where you're there to be shot at and you don't wear your emotions for everyone to see. Nick is a top class professional and is an outstanding goalkeeper."

On a busy festive period of fixtures, with United set to play eight matches in December:

"The games bring different challenges. Fatigue is a big one and not necessarily physical but mental fatigue. The challenge for us to try and find the levels of consistency that we know we are capable of.

"We are trying to navigate this period, keep things fresh and different for the players. Looking forward to all the games, the players have responded well in training."

On Harvey Barnes, who has scored six goals in his last eight competitive matches:

"Harvey is playing well, he has good confidence. Physically, he looks really strong and is able to carry the game load that he is experiencing.

"He is a very good goal creator and finisher and you saw that again on Tuesday. It was a fantastic finish off his left foot. When you put that together with his two Manchester City goals in quick succession, he is playing in form and I hope that continues."

On Joe Willock’s display against Marseille:

"Joe was excellent. He has trained really well the last few weeks, has good energy and produced at a high level. His attitude has been excellent since he's been out of the team but he's really focused on trying to impress.

"I think that was his best performance since his injury. He has had good games in between but he showed that he felt physically good which is key for him. I was really pleased for him as it's been a long road.”

On David Moyes and Everton, unbeaten in their last four league clashes against Newcastle:

"He is a manager I respect. Huge amount of respect for him and the way he handles himself. He has done an unbelievable job at Everton, they are playing well too and have some dangerous players, especially in the wide areas."