Prediction: Newcastle vs Tottenham

Verdict: Both teams to score in the second-half

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend their stay in the Champions League spots this weekend, Tottenham will travel to St. James’ Park when they meet Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, snatching a late 1-0 victory away at Fulham last weekend, Newcastle know the importance of using that performance as a platform to build on. However, although the Magpies might still be dreaming of the chance to book another European ticket this season, Eddie Howe has found plenty of scrutiny over his long-term future at St. James’ Park. While the former Bournemouth boss might have seen his squad muster seven points from their previous three Premier League appearances, Newcastle have largely struggled with their constancy since opening the New Year. Failing to collect consecutive top-flight victories since the start of December, Howe’s men have also shown some extended inconstancies on home soil. Signing off 2023 with a shock 3-1 loss at the hands of relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, the Magpies have won just a pair of their last seven showdowns at St. James’ Park.

Team News

Dealing with what has become a remarkable injury list, Newcastle will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles, Valentino Livramento and England international Nick Pope this weekend. Likewise, the Magpies have confirmed that defending talisman Sven Botman will not feature for the remainder of the season.

Notching 15 Premier League strikes this season and heavily linked with a blockbuster move this summer, Swedish international Alexander Isak will spearhead Newcastle’s charge here. Settling for a spot on the bench against Fulham last week, ex-Leicester star Harvey Barnes could be handed a full recall here.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, managing to make an immediate return to winning ways last week as they stormed their way to a 3-1 romp at home against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham find themselves sat in pole position to book a Champions League return this season. However, although Spurs might have suffered just a single loss from their previous six Premier League appearances, Ange Postecoglou will have a real headache over his side’s extended issues outside of north London. Last seen on their travels settling for a 1-1 stalemate against historic rivals West Ham, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad record just a single Premier League win on the road since December 15th. Nevertheless, landing a 4-1 romp when they welcomed Newcastle to the capital for their reverse meeting on December 10th, Spurs will be desperate for a similar performance here.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Tottenham will travel to St. James’ Park without the trio of Fraser Forster, Manor Solomon and former Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon. Likewise, missing out against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Brazil international Richarlison faces a race against the clock to feature on Saturday lunchtime.

Notching 15 Premier League strikes this season, attacking talisman Heung-Min Son will spearhead Spurs’ charge here. Only making a single start in Tottenham’s five appearances on either side of March’s international break, former Juventus star Rodrigo Bentancur could be handed a recall this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Newcastle and Tottenham met for their reverse Premier League meeting on December 10th, Spurs picked up a 4-1 romp in north London.
• Newcastle have recorded just two wins from any of their previous seven appearances at St. James’ Park.
• Tottenham have claimed just a single victory from any of their previous six showdowns outside of the capital.
• The Magpies have failed to muster a single Premier League clean sheet at St. James’ Park since opening the New Year.
• All of the last eight meetings between Tottenham and Newcastle have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet, neutrals could be treated to a real thriller from St. James’ Park. Although Tottenham might sit in pole position to book a Champions League return this season, Spurs have continued to show a string of issues away from north London. With all of the last eight straight meetings between Saturday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, chances could come thick and fast at St. James’ Park.

Verdict: Both teams to score in the second-half

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Luckster