Everton are due to play against Newcastle United in a Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Tuesday afternoon in a mid-table battle.
Both sides have blown hot and cold so far this season and head into their contest on 29 points apiece.
Everton will have home advantage and head into the game in better form as they have won three out of their last five games.
Newcastle by contrast have won just one out of their previous five games.
The Magpies will however be fired up after having defeated Chelsea last weekend.
Everton playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson, who missed the Toffees’ recent clash against West Ham, is expected to also sit out Tuesday’s clash, according to BBC Sport.
Alex Iwobi and Richarlison were two players who also missed the Hammers clash. Both players are expected to undergo fitness tests ahead of the game against the Magpies, with the latter looking unlikely to feature.
The report also suggests that Everton defender Michael Keane is a doubt for the game.
One Toffees youngster who could possibly start against Bruce’s side is Anthony Gordon.
The England U-19 international appears to have won the admiration of Carlo Ancelotti and he was introduced as a substitute against West Ham.
Everton claimed an impressive away victory against Newcastle last month as they won 2-1 thanks to a brace from Dominic Calvert-Lewin. That may give them a psychological advantage.
The 22-year-old is one of the Toffees’ in-form players having managed nine goals so far this season from 21 league matches.
There is no doubt that plenty of Magpies defenders will be marking him during the game.
Everton boss Ancelotti will be hoping that the striker can continue to find goals and lead his side to three points on Tuesday night.
