Prediction: Newcastle vs Tottenham

Verdict: Newcastle double chance

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what could prove to be an enjoyable showdown from St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle will welcome Tottenham to town.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, suffering real heartbreak last season as they eventually missed out on the chance to book another European finish, Newcastle are looking to mount a top-six charge this time around. While the Magpies might not have been at their best last weekend as they had to settle for a controversial 1-1 stalemate away at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe’s men are unbeaten in all of their opening three domestic appearances across all competitions. Opening proceedings with a 1-0 victory against Premier League returners Southampton on August 17th, Newcastle will be looking to collect a heavyweight scalp here. Extending on their EFL Cup adventure earlier in the week as they snatched a dramatic penalties victory away at Nottingham Forest, the Magpies will certainly be relishing a return to St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Shown a straight red card against Southampton on the opening weekend, Fabian Schar remains on the sidelines through suspension. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues continuing on from last season, Newcastle will once again be without the likes of Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Miley on Sunday afternoon.

Returning from a long-time ban and featuring against Nottingham Forest earlier in the week, former AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali could make a first Premier League start of 2024. Despite waiting to open his domestic account this season, attacking talisman Alexander Isak will lead Howe’s charge at St. James’ Park.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, while Tottenham might have been disappointed as they opened the 2024/25 campaign with a 1-1 stalemate away at Premier League returners Leicester on August 19th, Spurs came roaring back last weekend. Storming their way to a routine 4-0 romp at home against Everton, Ange Postecoglou’s men will be seeking a repeat performance here. However, struggling to find any real stability prior to the summer break, Tottenham gained an unwanted reputation for their struggles outside of north London. In fact, continuing on from last season, Spurs have won just a pair of their previous 11 Premier League showdowns on the road – a run that stems all the way back to the middle of December. It should also be noted, Postecoglou’s side slumped to a 4-0 drumming when they travelled to St. James’ Park back on April 13th.

Team News

Missing out against Everton last weekend after picking up an ankle injury, Tottenham are once again expected to be without summer recruit Dominic Solanke on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, suffering a worrying blow to the head against Leicester on the opening weekend, former Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is not expected to feature here.

Opening his Premier League account with a brace against Everton last week, skipper Heung-Min Son will spearhead Postecoglou’s charge in the final third. Arriving from Burnley earlier in the month for a reported fee in the region of £25million, Wilson Odobert should partner Son in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

When Tottenham last travelled to St. James’ Park back on April 13th, the Magpies stormed their way to a 4-0 romp. Newcastle have collected nine points from their previous four Premier League showdowns against Spurs. Tottenham have won just a pair of their previous 11 Premier League appearances outside of north London. Continuing on from last season, Newcastle have lost just a pair of their previous 18 Premier League matchups at St. James’ Park. Eight of the previous nine competitive meetings between Newcastle and Tottenham have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

A showdown that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, neutrals will be hoping for another action-packed affair this weekend. However, with Tottenham showing some extended issues outside of north London on either side of the summer break, Spurs should also be worried by a nightmare record at St. James’ Park. Including a 4-0 drumming when they travelled to Newcastle on April 13th, they have lost back-to-back trips to the North East by an aggregate score of 10-1.

Verdict: Newcastle double chance

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster