Tottenham vs Newcastle Preview

• Newcastle to win
• Both teams to score

Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles have taken a toll on their season, with a 2-2 draw against Wolves epitomising their injury woes and recent drop in form.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are in sensational shape, riding high on a streak of dominant performances as they chase a UEFA Champions League spot.

This clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium promises to be a battle between a side desperate to revive their form and a team looking to extend their imperious run.

Tottenham: A Season Unravelling

Injury troubles have severely disrupted this season for Tottenham. The latest blow came with Destiny Udogie joining an already-crowded treatment room.

Manager Ange Postecoglou admitted he had to field an unfit Radu Drăgușin against Wolves, underscoring the depth of the crisis.

The squad’s depletion has derailed what was a promising start to the 2024/25 campaign. Spurs won seven of their first eight competitive matches this season, building a solid foundation for European ambitions.

However, their form has since nosedived, with only one home win from their last seven matches (D3, L3).

Spurs now sit in the bottom half of the table, far from the Champions League places they once seemed capable of contesting.

The draw against Wolves highlighted a lack of defensive solidity and the team’s struggle to close out matches. With several first-team regulars still sidelined, Spurs face an uphill battle against a Newcastle side in rampant form.

Newcastle: A Team on the Rise

In stark contrast to Tottenham, Newcastle United are on a roll. A 2-0 win at Old Trafford was their third Premier League clean sheet and victory in just ten days. Eddie Howe’s side has now strung together four consecutive top-flight wins without conceding—a feat they last achieved in 2012.

Newcastle’s defensive solidity and clinical finishing have been pivotal in their rise up the table. The Magpies are eight points ahead of Spurs and firmly in contention for a Champions League berth.

Their ability to perform in high-pressure matches was on full display at Old Trafford, and they’ll be confident of maintaining their momentum in London.

Head-to-Head: Newcastle’s Dominance

Recent history favours Newcastle in this fixture. Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have won four of their last five meetings with Tottenham.

While the exception was a 4-1 loss in last season’s corresponding fixture, Newcastle have enjoyed significant success against Spurs in away matches, winning five of the last ten Premier League encounters (D1, L4).

Additionally, Newcastle have thrived as travelling favourites this season, with four wins from eight matches in such scenarios (D2, L2). This record, combined with their current form, makes them strong contenders to secure another victory.

Players to Watch

Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)

Although a recent addition to Spurs, Dominic Solanke boasts a strong record against Newcastle from his Bournemouth days.

Last season, he contributed four goal involvements against the Magpies (3 goals, 1 assist), helping Bournemouth to a win and a draw. If Spurs are to trouble Newcastle’s defence, Solanke’s clinical touch and movement will be vital.

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Alexander Isak has been in scintillating form, becoming the third-fastest Newcastle player to reach 50 Premier League goal involvements.

With 43 goals and 7 assists in just 69 games, Isak’s consistency and sharp finishing make him a constant threat. He has also enjoyed great success against Spurs, scoring five goals in four head-to-head matches. Expect him to be a focal point in Newcastle’s attack.

Key Tactical Battles

Spurs’ Defence vs Newcastle’s Attack

Tottenham’s patched-up defence will face a stern test against Newcastle’s dynamic forward line. Isak, alongside Miguel Almirón and Anthony Gordon, offers a blend of pace, creativity, and finishing that could exploit Spurs’ vulnerabilities at the back.

Midfield Control

With Spurs’ midfield stretched thin due to injuries, Newcastle could dominate this area of the pitch.

Bruno Guimarães and Sean Longstaff have been excellent in dictating play and recovering possession, providing a solid platform for their forwards. Spurs will need a heroic performance from their midfield to counter Newcastle’s control.

Predicted Outcome

Newcastle come into this match as clear favourites, given their recent form and Tottenham’s struggles.

Spurs’ injury crisis and poor home record further tilt the scales in favour of the visitors. While Dominic Solanke’s presence might offer hope for Spurs, Newcastle’s defensive organisation and attacking prowess should see them through.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Newcastle

Final Thoughts

This match pits a Tottenham side in turmoil against a Newcastle team in their best form of the season. Spurs will hope their home crowd can spur them to an upset, but Newcastle’s confidence and quality make them a formidable opponent.

As the Magpies aim to extend their winning run, Spurs will need to dig deep to avoid slipping further down the table. This clash promises to deliver plenty of drama, with Alexander Isak and Dominic Solanke poised to play pivotal roles.

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Spurs v Newcastle, 2024/25 | Premier League