In a game that might make or break Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League hopes, the Lilywhites go north to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Team Form
Newcastle United
Ollie Watkins’ exceptional performance proved too much for the Magpies’ defense to handle, resulting in a humiliating defeat for the visitors.
Newcastle had been enjoying a five-game winning streak before this match, but it ended abruptly, allowing Manchester United to overtake them in the Premier League standings.
Nonetheless, Newcastle still holds onto the fourth and final Champions League spot for now, even possessing a game in hand over Tottenham, who have also been struggling lately.
In recent times, Newcastle’s once-prized defensive prowess has disappeared. They have managed to keep only one clean sheet in their last 12 games in all competitions. However, this solitary clean sheet did come in their most recent home victory over Manchester United.
Newcastle PL Form: W W W W L
Spurs
Tottenham’s season has been characterized by an air of toxicity that has been evident for several weeks. The team hit a new low during their recent match against Bournemouth, who secured a 3-2 win in North London.
In addition, Spurs suffered another blow when their sporting director, Fabio Paratici, resigned from his role following an unsuccessful appeal against a 30-month suspension.
With just one win from three games as acting head coach, Antonio Conte’s former lieutenant faces a tough time leading the fifth-placed Lilywhites.
Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion are both hot on Tottenham’s heels, and defeat at St James’ Park would significantly blow their Champions League hopes.
Spurs PL Form: W D D W L
Squad Report
Newcastle United
Allan Saint-Maximin and Emil Krafth will both miss the game due to injuries. Saint-Maximin is recovering from a thigh problem, while Krafth is dealing with an ACL issue.
Additionally, Ryan Fraser is still not part of the first-team training, even though there are no fresh concerns from the last match against Aston Villa.
Spurs
Clement Lenglet is dealing with a muscular problem that forced him off during the Bournemouth game.
Lenglet will be joined on the sidelines by Lucas Moura, who is suspended for the game.
In addition, Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Emerson Royal (knee), Yves Bissouma (ankle), and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) are also out of contention due to their respective injuries.
Furthermore, Ben Davies is currently nursing a thigh concern, and there are doubts about his availability for the match.
Newcastle United’s expected starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton
Tottenham Hotspur’s expected starting lineup:
Lloris; Porro, Romero, Dier, Perisic; Kulusevski, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Danjuma; Kane, Son
Head to Head
Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur has faced Newcastle United numerous times, and they hold a respectable record against their opponents.
Out of the 167 matches that have been played between the two teams, Tottenham has come out on top 73 times, while Newcastle has won 60 times.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Sunday, April 23
Time: 02:00 pm, UK Time
Venue: St. James Park, Newcastle
Prediction
With both teams vying for a top-four finish, this match carries a lot of weight, and it could be a pivotal moment in the season for both clubs. While Tottenham may have the edge on paper, Newcastle’s home advantage and fighting spirit could see them come out on top in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
