This Saturday, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Spurs will host a confident Newcastle team for the 20th round of the Premier League. A thrilling duel is expected between two teams with contrasting dynamics.
Eddie Howe's men, impressive victors over Manchester United at Old Trafford (0-2) on December 30, continue to confirm their excellent form. Currently fifth in the standings with thirty-two points, the Magpies are on a convincing run, heavily influenced by the decisive Alexander Isak. This victory against the Red Devils, achieved through total domination in the first half, perfectly illustrates the renewed solidity of the Toons.
Conversely, Tottenham is experiencing a more challenging period. Ange Postecoglou's Spurs, stuck in 11th place with twenty-four points, are struggling to recapture their early-season flair. Recent performances reflect the current limitations of a team that is having difficulty converting its strong periods, as demonstrated by their recent draw against Wolves, who are battling relegation. The three-point gap to Brighton in 10th remains within reach with a victory, although the 4th place is already eleven points away...
Recent statistics for both teams suggest an open match: Newcastle consistently finds the back of the net in their recent outings, while Tottenham regularly sees their matches exceed three goals. A new offensive festival could be on the cards.
For the predictions on the Tottenham vs Newcastle match, Newcastle appears to be the favorite with odds of 2.20.
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Tottenham's current period reflects a concerning instability, with erratic results illustrating the limitations of the offensive approach promoted by Ange Postecoglou. The recent 2-2 draw against 17th-placed Wolves is symptomatic of the Spurs' defensive difficulties, struggling to manage their strong periods.
Despite goals from Bentancur and Johnson, the team was leveled in the final minutes, confirming a worrying trend of yielding under pressure. Without a clean sheet in the last four matches, conceding twelve goals during this period, Tottenham is indeed having defensive woes.
A 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest and a spectacular 3-6 defeat against Liverpool also highlight this defensive fragility, even though the team maintains its ability to score, as shown by the 4-3 victory against Manchester United in the League Cup.
Currently sitting in 11th place with just 24 points reflects this inconsistency, especially as the gap with Brighton (3 points) and chasing Brentford illustrates an uncomfortable position in mid-table. The statistics are revealing: in their last five matches, the Spurs have scored in 80% of cases but have also conceded in the same proportions, highlighting a structural imbalance that Postecoglou struggles to correct.
The prolonged absence of James Maddison does not help the situation for a team still searching for balance between offensive ambitions and defensive solidity. Ahead of the League Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool and the major derby against Arsenal (not to mention the FA Cup match), the Spurs must quickly get their heads straight in early January if they don't want to start 2024 like they finished it!
For the match against Newcastle, Tottenham is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a preferred system by Ange Postecoglou this season. In the absence of significant last-minute upheavals, here is the likely composition of the Spurs.
This lineup relies on the team's recent performances, especially against Wolves. The Bissouma-Bentancur duo should provide the necessary balance in midfield, allowing the attacking trio of Johnson, Kulusevski, and Son to support Solanke up front. Johnson's return to form could be decisive on the right side of the attack. Forster will be between the sticks.
Newcastle has displayed impressive form towards the end of 2024, with a run of five consecutive wins in all competitions. The Magpies particularly made a statement in their last outing at Old Trafford, winning 2-0 against Manchester United with early goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
This victory follows convincing wins against Aston Villa (3-0) and Ipswich (4-0), demonstrating remarkable offensive efficiency with 16 goals scored in their last five matches. Newcastle has been consistent and has not gone scoreless in their last eight matches. There is much hope for the future, as they gear up to face Arsenal in the League Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, January 7!
Eddie Howe's team stands out for their ability to take the lead in the first half, a trend confirmed throughout this winning streak. Alexander Isak continues to impress in attack, while the defense has shown considerable resilience with several consecutive clean sheets: three in a row and four in their last five matches. This defensive solidity, coupled with high pressing and effective offensive transitions, sees Newcastle sitting in 5th place in the league, just three points behind Chelsea in 4th: the race for Europe is on!
This positive dynamic contrasts with the struggles encountered at the start of the season, and the team appears to have found their rhythm, particularly in managing the ongoing sequence of matches despite a squad sometimes limited by injuries. The progression is even more notable as the Magpies manage to maintain a high level of performance against a variety of opponents, whether in the Premier League or the League Cup.
Newcastle fields a balanced and formidable team, reflecting their current momentum. Martin Dúbravka guards the goal, offering his customary assurance. The defense relies on the experience of Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schär, while Dan Burn and young Lewis Hall complete a solid backline. In midfield, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton provide creativity and physical power, supported by Zac Miley. In attack, the trio of Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Gordon promises speed, technique, and finishing ability; an ideal combination to break through opposing defenses. A lineup befitting the ambitions of the Magpies!
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