Newcastle v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle host Tottenham . The odds are dead even for the two sides to win at 2.50. The Magpies have won 6-1 and 4-0 on the last two occasions that they welcome Spurs to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle have seen wins in their last 11 league matches. In April, they had sublime 4-0 wins vs Tottenham and a 5-1 thrashing of Sheffield United. Last season ended with a 3-2 loss at Man Utd before winning 4-2 at Brentford on the final day.

This season began with a 1-0 home win with ten men vs Southampton. The Magpies had just 22% possession and three shots but held firm. Last weekend saw a fortunate 1-1 draw at Bournemouth as Newcastle allowed 2.26 xG. In midweek, they beat Nottingham Forest on penalties in the Carabao Cup after a 1-1 draw.

Newcastle Team News

The Magpies are without long-term injuries Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles at the back. Fabian Schar is suspended for this match so Emil Krafth will deputise next to Dan Burn.

Sandro Tonali is available after his ban for betting breaches. Joe Willock was injured after scoring in midweek though. Lewis Miley will play no part in the engine room.

Newcastle Motivation

Newcastle tends to revel in the space that Spurs afford to them. Expect a specific pressing plan to win the ball high up.

At home, the Toon will play at a high tempo and go all out to win the match.

Tottenham Form

Spurs had a poor end to last season. Ange Postecoglou’s charges had five defeats in the last seven rounds of action. That poor streak began with a 4-0 humbling at Newcastle and included a 3-2 loss to Arsenal and a 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea. A 4-2 loss at Liverpool followed having trailed 4-0.

Spurs won 3-0 at Sheffield United on the final day of last season. This term began with a 1-1 draw away to Leicester having led 1-0. They had 70% possession in that one-point haul. Last weekend, Tottenham thumped an injury-hit Everton 4-0 at home.

Tottenham Team News

Spurs have Yves Bissouma available after an internal suspension. Rodrigo Bentancur should be back after a concussion. Dominic Solanke is out injured so we could see Dejan Kulusevski as a false nine.

Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven should shake off small injuries to be in the starting XI. Speedy winger Wilson Ogobert could drop to the bench in favour of more steel in the shape of Pape Sarr.

Tottenham Motivation

Spurs will be very wary of Newcastle after losing 4-0 last season. Postecoglou does not change style and will double down on his risky tactics.

A draw is a decent result on paper, but Tottenham rarely settles for a point under this coach.

Key Stats

Newcastle have scored 28 goals in their last 12 matches (5 wins)

Newcastle have won 7 of their last 12 EPL matches

Newcastle have scored 16 goals in their last 6 home matches

Tottenham have seen over 2.5 goals scored in 19 of their last 23 EPL matches

Tottenham have conceded in 28 of their last 33 matches (55 goals conceded)

Spurs have lost 5 of their last 9 matches

Spurs have lost 6-1 and 4-0 in their last 2 away matches vs Newcastle

Verdict

The Magpies enjoy this fixture and are very strong at home. However, their defensive issues are a huge worry. A goal-fest looks to be on the cards.