Tottenham will be aiming to jump above Manchester City into second place when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
But Newcastle will have gained plenty of confidence from their midweek victory over the reigning champions. The Magpies have also been boosted by their much-needed deadline day business, making this weekend’s clash a difficult one to call.
Read on for Spurs vs Newcastle predictions, team news, stats and TV channel info.
When is Tottenham vs Newcastle?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Date: Saturday, 2 February
Kick-off: 12:30 PM GMT
Match Preview
This is the reverse fixture of the match that took place on the opening day of the season, which Spurs won 2-1 at Newcastle – it seems like an age ago for both clubs.
Since then, Tottenham have been in and out of the title race while dealing with an ongoing injury crisis. Newcastle, meanwhile, initially struggled at the bottom of the table before recently turning their fortunes around.
Despite their contrasting positions in the table, Newcastle have been doing more spending than Spurs. The Magpies broke their transfer record on deadline day – more on that further down – and brought in Monaco defender Antonio Barreca to bolster their options at the back.
Despite multiple injuries, particularly in attack, Mauricio Pochettino has decided against bringing in a flurry of new players. It’s difficult to argue against the Londoners’ logic considering their league position, although there is a sense Tottenham could have pushed for the title with a little bit of investment.
Whether the clubs’ respective transfer window fortunes have any effect on Saturday’s contest remains to be seen. Regardless, Spurs will be disappointed with anything but a win and Newcastle will be pleased to leave Wembley with anything.
Where can I watch live?
UK residents can watch Spurs vs Newcastle on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, channels 401 and 402 on Sky, and channels 501 and 502 for Virgin Media users.
Will Miguel Almiron be eligible to play?
Newcastle made Miguel Almiron their record signing on deadline day, parting ways with £21m to sign the attacking midfielder from Atlanta United.
Almiron was registered as a Newcastle player before midday on Friday, meaning he should be able to play against Spurs this weekend. However, he will likely have just one training session with his new teammates before the game, meaning Rafael Benitez might decide against using the Paraguay international from the beginning.
Benitez will want to keep things tight, but the Spaniard could introduce Almiron from the bench in the second half if Newcastle are behind.
DONE DEAL: Newcastle have completed the club-record signing of Miguel Almirón from Atlanta United for a club-record fee reported to be £21m.
The 14-year wait is over. pic.twitter.com/SybBIlsFuO
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) January 31, 2019
Why is Son Heung-min a doubt for Tottenham?
Son Heung-min made an instant impact on his return from the Asian Cup. The South Korean scored the equaliser in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Watford on Wednesday evening.
However, after the game Pochettino admitted it wasn’t the plan to keep Son on for the full 90 minutes. According to ESPN, Pochettino said: “He finished very tired, with some cramp. We’re going to see if he can recover for the next game.”
Spurs have desperately missed Son in the absence of Harry Kane and Dele Alli, and Pochettino will be hopeful his best available attacker is fit enough to start against Newcastle.
Will Pochettino stick with Fernando Llorente?
Fernando Llorente has been a mixed bag since coming into the Tottenham team in recent matches. Replacing Harry Kane as the focal point of the Spurs team, Llorente has scored two goals in three games despite falling below the standards required of him.
The Spaniard missed two huge changes against Watford but finished the game as the hero, bagging the winning goal with three minutes remaining. He also scored in the EFL Cup semi-final against Chelsea but was again guilty of missing good opportunities to add to his tally.
Pochettino has no choice but to stick with Llorente, especially if Son isn’t fit enough to start. He simply must be more clinical to ensure Tottenham start winning games by bigger margins.
Head-to-head
Spurs have won five of their last seven meetings with Newcastle, losing the other two. But despite Tottenham’s superior record, Newcastle have been something of a bogey team for the Londoners in recent years. The Magpies did the double over Spurs in 2015/16 despite an impressive campaign for Pochettino’s men, thrashing them 5-1 at St James’ Park following a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham wins: 69 Draws: 32 Newcastle Wins: 58
Team news
As mentioned above, Son may not be able due to fatigue. Kane and Alli remain sidelined while Ben Davies is an injury doubt. Other than those issues, the injury crisis appears to be subsiding.
As for Newcastle, new signings Almiron and Barreca should be available after signing before the deadline, but Benitez may decide to stick with the team that beat Manchester City.
Predicted Spurs XI: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Sissoko, Dier, Rose; Eriksen, Lamela; Llorente.
Predicted Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Schar, Lascelles, Lejeune; Yedlin, Hayden, Longstaff, Ritchie; Ayoze Perez, Atsu; Rondon.
Squawka prediction
Tottenham are struggling to win convincingly without Kane, but the likes of Son, Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura should help Llorente up front, and Spurs should scrape through yet again. 2-1 Tottenham.
Predictions & Betting Tips
1. Both teams to score and Spurs to win @ 11/5
Newcastle have proven that they can score against the big boys this season and will start the game full of confidence, having shocked Man City last time out. But that confidence can only get Benitez’s side so far as inconsistency has hampered their progress this term and Spurs will surely find a way through their defence.
Key Stat: Newcastle have scored at the Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge this season.
Tip: Both teams to score and Spurs to win @ 11/5 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (18/01/2019, 15:15)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
2. Son Heung-min to score last @ 10/3
The South Korean complained of mental fatigue after his nation’s early exit from the Asian Cup, but returned to Premier League action with the bit between his teeth. He will relish an opportunity to be Tottenham’s focal point up front.
Key Stat: Son Heung-min has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances for Spurs.
Tip: Son Heung-min to score first @ 10/3 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (18/01/2019, 15:15)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
3. Under 3.5 goals @ 4/5
The hosts should have enough in the tank to edge past Newcastle, but are far from firing on all cylinders. Pochettino’s side have developed a reputation as flat-track bullies but we’re expecting the Toon Army to push them all the way.
Key Stat: Spurs have not scored more than two goals at Wembley in a single game since beating Bournemouth 5-0 on Boxing Day.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/5 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (18/01/2019, 15:15)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
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