Premier League Preview: Tottenham vs Newcastle

The last 59 league meetings between Tottenham and Newcastle have all featured goals, with the most recent eight clashes producing at least three goals each. Add to that Tottenham's last five games yielding a staggering 26 goals and Newcastle's last five delivering 19, and Saturday's encounter promises a goal fest.

Tottenham in Turmoil

Tottenham fans are voicing their frustrations, lobbying for a managerial change after a string of disappointing results under Ange Postecoglou. Regardless of who’s in charge, the team’s injury-plagued squad desperately needs reinforcements. Recent signings like Richarlison (£50m) and Radu Dragusin (£25m), alongside the extended loan of Timo Werner, have failed to inspire confidence.

To compound matters, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s injury has left the inconsistent Fraser Forster between the posts. Defensive injuries have forced 18-year-old Archie Gray to deputize at center-back, a role far from ideal for the versatile young talent who has also been shuffled between midfield and left-back.

With more than ten players sidelined, Spurs have won just one of their last seven matches. They’ve lost four of their last five meetings with Newcastle, and with confidence at rock bottom, they face an uphill battle against a high-flying Magpies side.

Newcastle Flying High

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are in scintillating form, winning their last four games with a combined scoreline of 13-0, including a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. With Sven Botman fit to return, their squad depth is improving.

Although their recent wins came against struggling teams like Ipswich, Leicester, and Manchester United, and a depleted Aston Villa side, Newcastle have done more than enough to showcase their credentials.

Alexander Isak: The Star Striker

Newcastle’s prudent transfer strategy has been exemplified by the signing of Alexander Isak. The Swedish international combines technical brilliance with clinical finishing, notching double-digit goal contributions in his last six games of 2024. Now trailing only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts, Isak’s goals have propelled Newcastle to 5th place, just three points shy of Chelsea in 4th.

Match Overview

Spurs haven’t won in their last five home games and last kept a clean sheet against Everton in August. Their defensive frailties are stark, with 15 goals conceded in their last four home matches. Missing key players like Vicario, Richarlison, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Rodrigo Bentancur, Tottenham’s lineup will likely feature several makeshift solutions. Djed Spence, however, returns from suspension.

Newcastle, with four consecutive wins and 13 unanswered goals, aim to end their winless streak in London this season. Alexander Isak has scored in six consecutive matches, while Anthony Gordon has been directly involved in goals in his last four appearances. Injuries to Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope, and Callum Wilson, along with Fabian Schär’s suspension, are notable, but Sven Botman’s return adds defensive solidity.

Betting Insights

• Historical Goals Galore: The last 59 Premier League meetings between these sides have averaged 3.2 goals, with none ending goalless.
• Over 3.5 Goals: Odds at 1.83
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Odds at 1.34.
• Newcastle Win: At 2,22 considering Tottenham’s current injury woes, this is a tempting pick.
• All odds from Betsson

Prediction

With Newcastle’s impressive form and Tottenham’s struggles, expect an entertaining game with plenty of action in front of goal. A Newcastle victory looks likely, but the sheer unpredictability of the Premier League keeps this clash one to watch.

TheTipster