Tottenham travel to Newcastle on Sunday in a huge game for the Premier League’s top four. it’s a game worth a few bits in terms of the push for European qualification, and so promises to be an absolute pearly.
To Win Match
Newcastle 17/20 | Draw 26/10 | Tottenham 32/10
Newcastle
Newcastle is in unbelievable form at the moment – and yes, I say that even after their thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa. Before that game, Eddie Howe’s side were on a run of five wins in a row and looking increasingly likely to push for a Champions League spot all the way to the end of the season.
Newcastle have played aggressive, direct, and confident football. Against Brentford two weeks ago, they remined committed to their approach and completely dominated the game in the second half.
Admittedly, they looked weary against a good Aston Villa side and paid the ultimate price. However, still you can appreciate the approach and the system on display amongst this team.
Newcastle have scored 11 goals in their last five games, and in that time only conceded six (three of which were scored last week). For me, I struggle to see where Tottenham can hurt the Magpies.
Howe’s team won’t sit off their visitors and will know that confidence isn’t their strong point. I worry for Spurs here – especially if they don’t start well…
Predicted Line-up: Pope; Burn, Botman, Schar, Trippier; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
Tottenham
I’m not entirely sure what to say about Tottenham really. You watch them play and see how they scrap results; I mean against Brighton they deserved to lose and yet managed to sneak a massive result.
Against Bournemouth, you just felt that the longer the Cherries stayed in touch with Spurs, they had a chance. I mean the reality is that Spurs are still in the hunt for a Champions League place and are competing in the upper echelons of the league table.
If you didn’t know that though, and just assumed based on the media, you would think Spurs are languishing midtable!
At the risk of sounding rather painfully cliché, this is a team with absolute superstars who are capable of turning a game on its head. Harry Kane still leads this attacking line and with the sort of support he is supplemented with – they could always find a way winning this game even where they don’t deserve it!
Predicted Line-up: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Lenglet, Porro, Skipp, Hojberg, Perisic, Kulusevski, Son, Kane.
Verdict: Newcastle + BTTS (29/10)
I’m going to continue to back Newcastle. I know they come into this game off the back of a loss to Villa, but they will see this as an excellent opportunity to bounce back. They have made a habit of relishing the challenge against the so-called big boys this season and this won’t be any different.
I suspect the game will be a little open, Newcastle will take the game to Spurs and with the attacking threat the visitors have, I suspect they will make the most of the spaces in behind.
