Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
This Premier League encounter features two teams experiencing contrasting fortunes and both with an eye on a cup semi-final next week.
Current Form and Standings
Tottenham Hotspur, under manager Ange Postecoglou, are enduring a challenging period. They have secured only one victory in their last seven Premier League matches, placing them 11th in the table. Notably, Spurs are winless in their previous five home games, marking their longest such run since 2008. This has included a disappointing draw with Wolves as well as a 6-3 hammering by Liverpool.
In contrast, Newcastle United are in impressive form, having won their last four league matches without conceding a goal. Their recent 2-0 triumph over Manchester United has elevated them to fifth place, just three points shy of the Champions League spots. Confidence is high for the Magpies and they will fancy a trip to North London against a team that leaves space for the opposition to expose. Newcastle high press may cause Spurs a lot of problems as seen with the way Liverpool pulled the defence apart.
Key Players and Team News
Tottenham face significant injury concerns. Defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are sidelined, with Udogie suffering his second hamstring injury in recent weeks. Additionally, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. These absences pose a challenge to Postecoglou’s defensive setup. One shining light this season for Spurs fans has been the form of Dejan Kulusevski. Although he hasn’t scored in the last two league matches, he did go on a run of scoring in five consecutive matches in all competitions before that and will be looking to get back into scoring form against Newcastle.
Newcastle’s team in general is in form, but star striker Alexander Isak is in prolific form having scored in six consecutive league games, totalling 12 goals this season. He is rapidly ascending the club’s all-time Premier League scoring charts. However, the Magpies will be without defender Fabian Schar, who is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card. Kieran Trippier is expected to return from illness to bolster the defence.
Historical Context and Statistics
Historically, matches between Tottenham and Newcastle have been high-scoring affairs. This fixture is the most played in Premier League history without a goalless draw, with 59 meetings producing 189 goals—the third-highest in top-flight history.
Newcastle have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning four of the last five Premier League meetings against Spurs. They are aiming to complete a league double over Tottenham for the second time in three seasons.
Match Prediction
Given the current form and injury concerns, Newcastle appear poised to capitalize on Tottenham’s vulnerabilities. Their solid defence and Isak’s goal-scoring prowess could prove decisive.
Isak to have Over 1 Shot on Target, Newcastle to Win and Over 2 goals in the game looks a good bet price boosted to 10/3.