Newcastle vs Everton: Will Pope be dropped for Ramsdale?

The status of the pope was never in doubt.

The veteran started the season as first choice, just as he had done in each of his previous three seasons at Newcastle.

But Howe recognized the need to bring in fresh competition, even before goalkeeper Martin Dubravka left for Burnley last summer.

James Trafford has been a long-time target, but the 23-year-old has decided to return to former club Manchester City from Burnley instead.

Pope has previously admitted that Newcastle’s public search for a permanent goalkeeper – and Ramsdale’s subsequent arrival on loan from Southampton – led him to “push himself to the absolute limit to earn the right to play for the club”.

Bob certainly earned that right after starting the campaign strong.

Such was Pope’s form that the 33-year-old was called up to the England squad for the first time in a year earlier this month, but was forced to withdraw after suffering concussion during a match against Brentford.

It was a well-deserved call-up.

Pope has kept eight clean sheets in his first 14 appearances in all competitions, his stunning strike from 65 yards after setting up Harvey Barnes’ breakaway goal against Benfica.

But Newcastle has faced defensive difficulties away from home in recent weeks.

Although he hasn’t always been given much protection by those around him, Pope has allowed 10 goals in his past four away matches and committed various kinds of fouls against Marseille, Brentford and West Ham when his side were on top.

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta’s shot went past him at the London Stadium.

Pope was arrested at the Gtech Community Stadium a week later when he attempted to punch the ball only for Kevin Shady to equalize from Brentford defender Michael Kayode’s long throw.

Then blood rushed to his head in Marseille.