Tottenham Hotspur will visit St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday which will be the third Premier League game of the season for both the clubs. Spurs enter the game on the back of a resounding 4-0 victory over Everton, while Newcastle United will be keen to improve their goal-scoring form following a somewhat fortunate 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.
Newcastle’s Recent Form and Challenges
Newcastle’s start to the season has been mixed, although 4 points out of the first 2 games is decent, their performances have not been great. After a solid defensive display in their opening fixture, they struggled to create clear-cut chances in their draw against Bournemouth. The match was not without controversy, as the Magpies were fortunate to see Dango Ouattara’s goal disallowed due to a handball. Newcastle’s attacking woes have been compounded by a growing injury list, adding pressure on Eddie Howe to find solutions ahead of the clash with Spurs.
Team News and Injuries
Newcastle’s injury concerns are mounting. Midfielder Joe Willock, who scored Newcastle’s only open-play goal of the season so far, is out with a thigh injury. He joins key players like Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Miley on the sidelines, while Fabian Schar will miss out due to suspension. The potential absence of these players means Howe will have to get creative with his lineup.
Eddie Howe’s Rejigged 4-3-3 Formation
Eddie Howe is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, albeit with a few adjustments to cope with the injury crisis and lack of form in certain areas.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup against Spurs
After playing 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest, Lewis Hall might be considered for a return to the starting lineup against Spurs. Although Eddie Howe initially preferred Lloyd Kelly at left-back for Newcastle’s match against Bournemouth, Hall replaced him after 69 minutes.
In midfield, Sandro Tonali could be given his first Premier League start in nearly a year now that he is eligible following his betting ban. The Italian midfielder, who joined from AC Milan for £55 million last summer, played over an hour in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup tie and might replace Sean Longstaff, who, despite his recent consistency, is expected to serve as a backup once Newcastle’s squad is fully fit.
Eddie Howe might also consider making changes to his front three. While Alexander Isak is likely to retain his place, there’s a possibility that Harvey Barnes could be given a chance to secure a spot in the starting lineup. Barnes, who came off the bench against Bournemouth to provide an assist, could potentially start, given Newcastle’s current lack of strong options on the right wing with Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almirón. If Barnes does start, it might lead to Anthony Gordon switching to the right wing, a position he has played in the past.
Newcastle’s clash with Spurs will be a stern test of Eddie Howe’s tactical acumen and the depth of his squad. With key players missing, the Magpies will need a collective effort to secure a positive result. A rejigged 4-3-3 formation, with the right balance of defense and attack, could be the key to unlocking Spurs’ defense and getting Newcastle back to winning ways.