Chris Sutton is expecting a ‘great game’ between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United on Saturday.
Newcastle United begin 2025 with a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they will hope to take their 2024 form into the New Year.
The Magpies ended the previous calendar year with five wins on the spin, including Newcastle’s victory over Manchester United. Eddie Howe’s side were outstanding at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim admitting that Newcastle are better than Man United.
Ahead of the game in North London, Paul Merson has backed Newcastle to beat Spurs.
Chris Sutton predicts Tottenham vs Newcastle
Now Chris Sutton has given his verdict too, with the former Blackburn Rovers striker telling BBC Sport that Newcastle United will beat Tottenham in this weekend’s early kickoff.
“Newcastle’s form is incredible, with five wins on the spin in all competitions,” he said.
“They have scored 16 goals in those games, with only one conceded.
“Tottenham, in contrast, are on a poor run of results – although they did not perform badly in their defeat by Nottingham Forest or in their draw with Wolves last time out.
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“This is going to be a great game and, while I think Spurs will score, I just can’t go against Newcastle at the moment.
“Eddie Howe’s side have got goals in them and it is not just Alexander Isak who is a threat – Jacob Murphy is playing really well and their midfield of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton looks very strong.”
Sutton’s prediction: Tottenham 1 Newcastle 2
Suspension concern for Newcastle against Spurs
Given Newcastle’s recent run of results and Tottenham’s issues, it is no surprise to see Eddie Howe’s side tipped to be victorious on Saturday.
The Magpies are in outstanding form, putting in multiple top level performances in a row to surge up the Premier League table.
However, there has been a casualty along the way. Fabian Schar is suspended for Newcastle’s game against Tottenham, with the 33-year-old receiving his fifth booking of the campaign during the win at Old Trafford.
That will force Howe to change his back four, with Lloyd Kelly predicted to start for Newcastle.
It has been reported by the Daily Mail that the 26-year-old will come into the side, with Dan Burn moving over to right-sided centre-back.
That is despite Sven Botman’s availability, with the Dutchman yet to make a senior appearance since recovering from an ACL injury.