Prediction: Tottenham vs Newcastle

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the second half

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who have their sights set on securing a top-four finish this season, Tottenham will welcome Newcastle to north London on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham

Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have enjoyed a record-breaking purple patch when opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Spurs now have the feel of a squad seeking a crucial boost. Although the Lilywhites might have gained a string of plaudits after they appointed Ange Postecoglou over the summer, they have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Suffering another infamous Premier League collapse earlier in the week as they eventually suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against London rivals West Ham, the former Celtic boss has remarkably seen his squad muster just a single point from their previous five top-flight appearances. Heading into November’s international break with a shock 2-1 loss at the hands of Wolves, Tottenham have quickly gained a reputation for their rather glaring defensive issues. Despite snatching a stunning 3-3 stalemate away at Manchester City last weekend, Spurs have shipped 13 strikes on their five-match winless run.

Team News

Both dealing with long-term injury issues, the duo of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven are not expected to feature again until the New Year. Likewise, former Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur faces another lengthy stint on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

While Son Heung-min might have been visibly frustrated following Thursday’s 2-1 loss against West Ham, the South Korean ace will spearhead Tottenham’s charge this weekend. Ex-Everton striker Richarlison will be hoping to make a first Premier League start since the end of October.

Newcastle

As for the visitors, while Newcastle might have made the trip to Everton on Thursday night looking to make another statement, Eddie Howe’s side put in what was a nightmare performance at Goodison Park. Eventually slumping to a woeful 3-0 drumming at the hands of this year’s relegation scrappers, the former Bournemouth boss is desperate for his squad to find some recent stability. Although the Magpies might have return from November’s international break with an action-packed 4-1 victory against Chelsea, Newcastle have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all formats. Knowing that they need a minor miracle in their bid to punch a Champions League knockout stage ticket this month, Howe’s side will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders when they make the trip to north London on Sunday afternoon. However, landing a stunning 6-1 romp when they last met Spurs back on April 23rd, the Magpies will be desperate to produce a repeat performance in the capital.

Team News

Undergoing shoulder surgery earlier in the week, Newcastle will be without number-one goalkeeper Nick Pope for the next four months. Still dealing with a stacked injury list at St. James’ Park, Howe will once again be without 10 first-team stars when they arrive in north London on Sunday afternoon.

While Alexander Isak might have drawn back-to-back Premier League blanks over the past week, the former Real Sociedad ace will spearhead Howe’s charge this weekend. The Swedish international will be joined in the final third by Antony Gordon.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Tottenham and Newcastle last met back on April 23rd, the Magpies picked up a stunning 6-1 victory at St. James’ Park.
• However, Howe’s side have won just one of their previous seven showdowns on the road.
• Likewise, Tottenham have remarkably collected just a single point from any of their last five Premier League showdowns.
• Spurs have also shipped 13 strikes on that five-match winless run.
• Newcastle have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

Two sides who are seeking a much-welcomed boost on Sunday afternoon, we could be treated to a thrilling affair from north London. Watching Newcastle claim a remarkable 6-1 romp when they welcomed Spurs to St. James’ Park back on April 23rd, chances could come thick and fast this weekend. With both camps showing their own rather glaring defensive issues on either side of November’s international break, we are expecting a pulsating showdown from the capital here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the second half

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Luckster