Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

31 Aug 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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Gameweek 3 of the Premier League has plenty of thrilling match-ups in store, with one of them being Newcastle United’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on Sunday.

Both Newcastle and Tottenham have started the season in contrasting fashion. Spurs have hit the ground running, dominating their first two games with confidence, while Newcastle have struggled to find their rhythm, even against newly promoted Southampton and a less-than-impressive Bournemouth side. Despite the differing performances, both teams have managed to rack up four points from their opening matches.

Judging by recent form, many would tip Tottenham as the clear favorites. But Newcastle have a secret weapon—the passionate Geordie support at St. James' Park, which has often been a fortress. Plus, Spurs have had their fair share of woes playing away at Newcastle in recent years. So, with the game finely poised, which team will come out on top?

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match Preview

With both teams set in their ways, Sunday’s match between Spurs and Newcastle could be a battle of attrition. Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, have become one of the most entertaining teams in the division because of his gung-ho offensive tactics. While Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, have been one of the most dangerous sides in transition. The writing is on the way, as Spurs will continue to dominate possession and probe for opportunities, while Newcastle sit back in a low-block and hit Spurs on the counter. This tactic worked wonders for Howe’s men in April, as the Geordie romped to a 4-0 win.

However, following another grueling preseason under Ange, players are starting to fully grasp his intricate attacking patterns. The result? Spurs are now a more cohesive and menacing force in attack, having already netted 5 goals and controlled 71% of possession across their first two games. Tottenham are looking dangerous with James Maddison firing on all cylinders and Heung-Min Son as deadly as ever. These two can turn a game in a flash. Plus, Spurs’ newest recruit, the talented Wilson Odobert, has added another layer to Tottenham’s offense. The 19-year-old made an electrifying debut against Everton, relentlessly driving at their defense and opening up a slew of scoring chances for Spurs. With this trio, Tottenham’s offense is shaping up to be a real force this season.

On the other hand, it seems as if Newcastle United have regressed this season. Eddie Howe has done a remarkable job at Tyneside. Under his leadership, the Magpies returned back to the Champions League stage. However, the added games of Champions League had an adverse effect on Newcastle’s season, as they finished in 8th spot. Many fans thought that they would strengthen this summer, but the only notable outfield signing this window are Lloyd Kelly and William Osula.

Furthermore, their poor summer window has been compounded by the forced sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson because of PSR regulations. The early season optics aren’t looking good for Newcastle, and a loss to Spurs at St. James Park could deepen the sense of unease among the Geordie faithful. Therefore, anything other than a win would be considered a poor result by Newcastle fans.

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Team News and Updates

Newcastle are dealing with a slew of absentees, including key centre-backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, both sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries. To add to their defensive woes, Fabian Schar is suspended. As a result, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth, who partnered up in the backline against Bournemouth, might get the nod once again on Sunday.

The Magpies are also likely to be without Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, and Joe Willock. Moreover, there's a question mark over goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s availability. On the bright side, Sandro Tonali made his return against Nottingham Forest and could be pushing for a starting spot this weekend.

On Tottenham’s front, Richarlison is set to miss a few weeks due to an injury sustained in training, and Dominic Solanke also remains sidelined. However, there’s good news with Rodrigo Bentancur likely to be in the squad against Newcastle, though he may start on the bench if Ange Postecoglou sticks with his preferred midfield trio of Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and James Maddison.