Newcastle United host Tottenham Hotspur this weekend as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the league table moving forward into the season. Having faced a disappointing loss against Aston Villa in their previous outing, the Magpies will be keen on bouncing back to winning ways whilst the visitors will look to gain consistency in results as they aim to move into the top four over the coming weeks.
Having secured four victories in their last five league outings heading into the fixture, Newcastle will be confident in securing a compelling three points at home on Sunday. With Eddie Howe’s side amongst the favourites to secure a top-four position provided they maintain their impressive standard of performance moving forward, the Magpies will be keen to avoid dropping points against Spurs later today.
On the other hand, needing to find consistency in results, the visitors will look to secure nothing but three points against Newcastle. Having struggled to gain consistent victories this campaign, Spurs will be keen on improving their prospects for the top-four moving forward whilst ensuring they remain compelling in their displays on the pitch, with Newcastle having proven to be their direct rival for a place in the top-four heading into the final phase of the season.
When & Where?
Venue: St. James’ Park.
Date: Sunday, 23rd April 2023.
Time: 15:00 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: David Coote.
Assistant Referees: Simon Bennett, Timothy Wood.
Fourth Official: John Brooks.
VAR Official: Neil Swarbrick.
Team News
Newcastle United
Allan Saint-Maximin and Emil Krafth remain out of contention due to injuries while forward Ryan Fraser remains ostracised from first-team training. Both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak emerge in line to start the game against Spurs while Miguel Almiron is set to replace Anthony Gordon in the starting line-up later today.
Tottenham Hotspur
Clement Lenglet emerges as the latest addition to the team’s injury list, with the centre-back deemed unavailable due to a muscular problem. Additionally, the likes of Ryan Sessegnon, Yves Bissouma, Emerson Royal, and Rodrigo Bentancur remain out of contention due to injuries while Ben Davies will be needing to pass a late fitness test if he is to feature in the match-day squad against Newcastle. Lucas Moura remains another of the players unavailable as the Brazilian serves a suspension.
Match Analysis
With both teams needing three points, Sunday’s fixture is expected to provide for a compelling encounter at St. James’ Park. Heading into the tie on the back of a promising run of results, the hosts will be keen on building momentum in their race for the top-four whilst the visitors will be looking for the same as they aim to find consistency on the pitch moving forward.
Expected to employ a proactive approach, Newcastle will look to exploit Spurs’ defensive weaknesses through incisive passes across the final third later today. Likely to prioritize remaining compact in their shape without possession alongside maintaining a high defensive line, the Magpies will look to make the best of their goal-scoring opportunities through open play and set-pieces. Additionally, needing to pin back the pressure on the opposition, the hosts will look to find an early breakthrough on Sunday.
Meanwhile, facing a vulnerable Newcastle backline, Spurs will be keen on making the best of the advantage later today. Boasting a fearsome frontline, the visitors will be looking to exploit the spaces available in the opposition’s half alongside aiming to make the best use of possession later today. Although needing to display a resolute defensive performance, the North London club is expected to deliver a competitive display as they aim to close the gap on the top four moving into the coming fixtures.
Key Players
Callum Wilson – Newcastle United
With the forwards expected to emerge as the catalysts later today, Wilson will be needing to deliver a notable contribution against Spurs. Having proven to be a consistent goal-scorer for the Magpies when fit, the forward will be keen on delivering a significant contribution at home on Sunday.
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs’ most significant player on the pitch, Kane will be keen on finding the back of the net against Newcastle. With the forward expected to test the home side’s defence later today, the England international will be aiming to make the best of his goal-scoring opportunities at St. James’ Park.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock; Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Joelinton.
Tottenham Hotspur lineup vs Newcastle United: Hugo Lloris; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic; Dejan Kulusevski, Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Arnaut Danjuma; Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son.
