The State of Play
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have been magnificently entertaining throughout this season as his injury ravaged squad continue to fight for a top seven or a top eight finish and potential European qualification. Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat of Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend means their 31 matches in the Premier League so far this season have consisted of 117 goals in total.
Tottenham Hotspur begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting tucked inside the top four and the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots after taking advantage of Aston Villa’s slip up at home to Brentford last weekend. Ange Postecoglou’s side defeated relegation threatened Nottingham Forest by three goals to one last Sunday with second-half strikes from defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro.
Read our other football news stories here:
Richarlison still out for Spurs
Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool players should struggle to sleep after Atalanta rout
Guehi injury absence could end v Man United, says Glasner
Team News
Newcastle have had a long injury list throughout the campaign and they remain without key men such as Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley, Callum Wilson, Tino Livramento, Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock and Matt Targett unavailable.
Ange Postecoglou has also dealt with several issues throughout the campaign but the north Londoners are only without Fraser Forster, Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon for this one with Richarlison also a doubt.
Expected Line-ups
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Anderson; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner; Son
What they Said
With Joelinton set to sign a new deal at Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe said that the Brazilian has the chance to become one of Newcastle’s ‘biggest icons’.
After defeating Nottingham Forest last weekend, Spurs boss Postecoglou said he ‘couldn’t care less’ about Spurs moving fourth and the overall top four race.
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at St. James’ Park at 12:30 on Saturday April 13th and will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK. It will also be able to be streamed live via the TNT Sports app in the UK.
Prediction
As mentioned, almost any Newcastle game this season could be a high-scoring thriller, especially with just how depleted they are at the back. Their last two games have been low scorers against Everton and Fulham so we’re due another thriller up in the north east. Spurs are erratic and have struggled to keep clean sheets throughout the campaign so both teams scoring almost seems inevitable for this one.
