NewcastleWorld

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Sven Botman makes his long-awaited Newcastle United return against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm).

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

The Magpies have been without the Dutchman since March because of an ACL injury. But in the last month, Botman has resumed full training and played three matches for the under-21s.

And head coach Eddie Howe has decided to recall Botman for the visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, replacing the suspended Fabian Schar to partner Dan Burn at centre-back.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Howe said: “You go through a process with the type of injury Sven’s had, he’s done an incredible amount of work - it’s not like he’s not had that training time with us.

“We’ve taken longer than maybe normally we would have done through respect for the injury he had to try and make sure he had the best chance of staying fit and when he comes back he’s able to hit the ground running, which is absolutely.

“So I’ve got a decision to make in terms of the team selection but if Sven is in the squad it’s because he is fit and available.”

In two changes to his starting XI, Howe has also brought in Tino Livramento ahead of Kieran Trippier at right-back.

"Yeah, I think Kieran's OK,” Howe said on Trippier. “I think it's a bit of fatigue in the last two games. I don't think there's any muscle problem there."

Newcastle United XI: Martin Dubravka, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Lloyd Kelly is expected to make only his fifth Premier League start for Newcastle United against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is being forced to change his centre-back pairing with Fabian Schar suspended. And with Emil Krafth (broken collarbone) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) still sidelined, Howe has little choice but to field a left-footer alongside the left-footed Dan Burn.

"With our two right-sided centre-halfs being out, Fabian's suspension and Emil injured, it's going to be difficult to find a right-sided solution,” Howe confirmed to NewcastleWorld.

“You rarely see two left footers but two right footers it’s actually quite standard and normal,” Howe added. “I’m going to have to make what I believe is the right call for this game.

“Of course there is going to be a change because Fabian, who has been really consistent for us, will be missing but whoever I pick will have their unique skill set added to the team. You have to try and look at it as a positive.”

The Magpies are set to be boosted by the return of Sven Botman to the matchday squad for the first time since he underwent ACL surgery in March. A place among the substitutes is likely, rather than an immediate to the starting XI.

That puts Kelly in pole position to make his first start since he replaced the suspended Burn for the 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United on Monday, November 25.

In the summer of 2023, Kelly was subjected to a £20million bid from Spurs, which AFC Bournemouth rejected. A year later, the 26-year-old joined Newcastle on a free transfer.

It has been a frustrating start to life at St James’ Park for Kelly. He has made just 12 appearances in total, six of which have been starts, while he has been an unused substitute in the last eight fixtures.

“Yeah it has [been a difficult start for Lloyd] but I think that has been down to the form of the lads that have played,” said Howe. “Lloyd is a versatile player, he can play a number of positions. Yeah I think the form of Dan and Fabian at the heart of the defence has been really strong, especially of late, I think we look good defensively so I think that is always a position that is difficult for us to rotate too much.

“I prefer to keep a settled back four and to not chop and change. I think the stability of your team is based on relationships but Lloyd is training hard, he’s training very well and he’s waiting for his chance.”

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Tottenham Hotspur will be without several first-team players for this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United (kick-off 12:30pm).

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Ange Postecoglu has already ruled eight players out through injury, while midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will serve a one-match suspension. Left-back Destiny Udogie is Spurs’ latest absentee because of a hamstring issue.

Meanwhile, first choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are out, as is Ben Davies. Richarlison, Mikey Moore, Wilson Odobert and No.1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remain sidelined.

"Yes, at this stage, Richy and Mikey will be the next two off the rank, hopefully next week at some point, and then Ben, Micky and Romero around the same time, they're all slated to return at the back end of January,” Postecoglu said in his pre-match press conference.

A sickness bug has also hit Tottenham’s camp this week, casting doubt over some players’ involvement.

"We've had a bit of an illness/bug running through the squad so a few were missing from training, but we'll be alright," said Postecoglu. When asked if that could rule players out versus Newcastle, the Aussie replied: "I'm not sure yet. We'll see."

As reported by talkSPORT, Vicario’s replacement Fraser Foster is set to miss out, meaning third choice Brandon Austin is in line to make his shock debut - nine years after joining.

Tottenham currently sit 11th in the Premier League table in the middle of their worst league run since 2008, having failed to win any of their last three matches.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will be without Fabian Schar through suspension but are set to welcome back Sven Botman after nine months out with an ACL injury. Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson remain sidelined due to injury.

Newcastle can make it five straight wins with a victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United are aiming for their sixth consecutive win across all competitions when they take on Tottenham Hotspur later today.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

A resurgent Toon outfit have looked unbeatable since Eddie Howe shifted Sandro Tonali into the base of midfield. With Alexander Isak also the talk of England right now, the Magpies are purring and well in the mix for European football.

Spurs, however, are in dire straits. Ange Postecoglou is only behind Julen Lopetegui in the Premier League sack race as Tottenham sit 11th after 19 games.

The bookmakers are backing an away win - which could see Newcastle level with fourth-placed Chelsea by the end of the weekend. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash.

When is Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

The game will kick off today (Saturday, January 4) at 12.30pm GMT. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home of Spurs since 2019, is the venue.

What TV channel is Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

For UK viewers, the game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 as the chosen early kick-off fixture. BBC Radio Newcastle will have coverage on the airwaves. Alternatively, our reporter, Jordan Cronin, will be in attendance with full analysis on social media.

Team news

Newcastle have Nick Pope (knee), Callum Wilson (hamstring), Jamaal Lascelles (knee) and Emil Krafth (collar bone) ruled out. Howe admitted, however, that Sven Botman (knee) may make the matchday squad following a nine-month lay-off. As for Tottenham, they have a crippling injury list, with eight players sidelined, one of whom, Rodrigo Bentancur, through suspension.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Discover how AI analysis sees Newcastle United’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League playing out.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Like it or loathe it, we live a world where AI - or artificial intelligence - is creeping into every corner of society.

Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction.

Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict Premier League football results.

So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Newcastle United travel to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur. And here’s what it said.

The context

Quite rightly, the AI takes note of what seems to be a tricky situation for Ange Postecoglou, with Spurs not only in the midst of an injury crisis, but also having to deal with a sickness bug ripping through the squad ahead of the clash (kick-off 12.30pm).

It states: “Tottenham Hotspur will host Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 4, 2025. Tottenham has been struggling with form and injuries, while Newcastle comes into the game with a strong recent run of form. “

Nothing out of the ordinary, there. Newcastle have won their last five, four of which have been in the Premier League. In that quartet of victories, they’re yet to concede a goal, too.

And the home side have a whole host of key players either out injured, banned or potentially ill.

It goes on: “Tottenham Hotspur are facing a significant injury crisis, with key players like Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven doubtful or out. Their recent performances have been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches. The absence of their first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, along with several defenders, adds to their woes. However, their attack, led by Son Heung-min, remains a threat.”

On the Magpies, who currently sit fifth in the top flight, it says: “Newcastle United are in better shape, especially after securing four wins in their last five Premier League games. Despite missing some players like Fabian Schar due to suspension and doubts over Kieran Trippier's fitness, their squad depth seems to be holding up. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have been in fine form, contributing significantly to their recent victories. Newcastle's defence has also been solid, conceding the fourth-fewest goals in the league up to this point.”

The prediction: THFC ? NUFC ?

Despite taking into consideration Newcastle have lost two of their last three games in this neck of the woods, conceding nine goals in the process under Eddie Howe, Grok fancies the Magpies to keep up their recent form with yet another impressive win on the road, just days after ending their Old Trafford hoodoo.

It says: “Newcastle United to win 2-1.”

Reasons for the result?

“Newcastle's superior form with recent victories over strong teams like Manchester United. Tottenham's defensive vulnerabilities due to injuries, which might be exploited by Newcastle's potent attack. While Tottenham's home advantage and attacking prowess could see them score, their defensive issues are likely to cost them the match.

“This prediction considers both teams' current states, with an acknowledgment that football can be unpredictable, and one moment can change the game's outcome. However, based on available data, Newcastle seems to have a slight edge.”

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Tottenham Hotspur are walking wounded ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to North London.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

As well as an eight-man injury list and Rodrigo Bentancur suspended, Spurs have been rocked with an illness bug in midweek. Stars like Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Richarlison are all sidelined.

Postecoglou was already up against it, with Newcastle one of the Premier League’s in-form sides. Eddie Howe’s men are aiming for their sixth consecutive win across all competitions when they head to the capital tomorrow.

As for Tottenham, however, they are desperate for three points after slipping to 11th in the table. The pressure is beginning to ramp up on Postecoglou for a perceived naivety from the dugout.

His ultra-attacking style has come under fire but the 59-year-old is vowing to fight on. Newcastle appear to have Spurs on the ropes before a ball is kicked following Postecoglou’s injury update.

A bout of flu has wiped out the Londoners - with no saving grace coming from the treatment table. As well as those mentioned, Ben Davies and Wilson Odobert are ruled out.

“Destiny (injured) his hamstring,” Postecoglou told reporters. “(It) looks (like it will be) around six weeks for him. We lose (Rodrigo) Bentancur suspended. None of the injured ones are back yet. We've had a bit of an illness bug with a few not training.

“At this stage, Richy (Richarlison) and Mikey Moore are the next cabs off the rank, we're hoping next week. Ben (Davies), Micky (Van de Ven) and (Cristian) Romero all kind of around the same time, (they will return at) the back end of January.”

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Sven Botman will be part of the Newcastle United squad that faces Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm).

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

The Magpies have been without the Dutchman for the past nine months because of an ACL injury. Eddie Howe will decide between Botman and summer signing Lloyd Kelly as to who replaces the suspended Fabian Schar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I’ve always said with Sven, he’ll be sort of in and around Christmas games,” said Howe. “He’s worked incredibly hard to get himself in a good condition. He’s had, I think, three games and a lot of internal training as well.

“He’s certainly in and around my thoughts. I’ll have to make a decision on who I think best fits that position. But yeah, great to have Sven in and around available again.”

In the past month, Botman has resumed full training and built up his match fitness and sharpness by featuring in three under-21s matches.

When asked if it would be “a lot” for Botman to play against Spurs and then Arsenal on Tuesday night because of his lengthy spell on the sidelines, Howe replied: “No, because I think you go through a process with the type of injury Sven’s had, he’s done an incredible amount of work - it’s not like he’s not had that training time with us.

“We’ve taken longer than maybe normally we would have done through respect for the injury, he had to try and make sure he had the best chance of staying fit and when he comes back he’s able to hit the ground running, which is absolutely.

“So I’ve got a decision to make in terms of the team selection but if Sven is in the squad it’s because he is fit and available.”

Botman was restricted to 22 appearances last season having twice suffered with a knee injury.

The 24-year-old initially suffered a partial ACL tear in September last year but opted for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan. He resumed playing in December but looked way off his best, eventually resulting in surgery three months later.

Having been without Botman for so long and the chances of making a January signing low, Howe agreed the defender will be ‘like a new signing’.

“It is a cliché but it's a good one,” Howe said. “It was the same with Sandro when he came back from his ban, although he'd been training with us and had been with us for a season, he was like a new signing. It gave the lads a big lift to have Sandy back available for selection and Sven will be exactly the same.

“He's been a massive player for us and a player the lads all like and like to play with, they have got total trust in him. So when he comes back into the group, it gives everyone a great feeling so [a new signing] is the good way of looking at it.”

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United are set to field a new partnership when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

The Magpies head to North London as one of the Premier League’s in-form teams having won four games in a row without conceding. That has seen Eddie Howe’s side climb to fifth in the top-flight table.

However, that defensive record will be tested against Spurs with Howe forced to change his centre-back pairing for the first time since the 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United on November 25.

Only on three occasions in the Premier League this season have Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not played alongside each other. But Schar is suspended for the visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after picking up a fifth yellow card in Monday’s 2-0 win at Manchester United.

Schar was harshly sent off on the opening day of the season for an apparent headbutt on Southampton forward Ben Brereton-Diaz, equalling in a three-match ban. He sat out of two league games and one Carabao Cup match, with Emil Krafth called up in the Swiss’ place.

Krafth, however, has been sidelined for the past nine weeks with a broken collarbone, which leaves summer signing Lloyd Kelly or the returning Sven Botman to choose from.

With Botman yet to play a single first-team minute, or indeed be included in the matchday since returning from nine months out with an ACL injury, Kelly is expected to get the nod this weekend.

It is weirdly an unwritten rule not to play two left-footed centre-backs together but Howe doesn’t have a choice. And for Kelly, he must grasp his opportunity.

Kelly has only made three Premier League starts since joining on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth in the summer. He was excellent in United’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea in October but fell way below standard a month or so later when he came in for the suspended Burn against West Ham. He hasn’t featured in the starting XI since.

Facing Spurs is the 26-year-old’s chance to show his worth at a time when he’ll not only face competition from Burn, but Botman too.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com

and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

Tottenham Hotspur will be without Rodrigo Bentancur and Destiny Udogie when Newcastle United travel to the capital this weekend.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

A mammoth Premier League clash awaits for the Magpies as they aim to continue their recent upturn in form. Five consecutive wins since the 4-2 defeat to Brentford has shifted the mood around St James’ Park.

Newcastle sit fifth in the table and are a semi-final tie with Arsenal away from reaching the Carabao Cup final. Two of those wins were against Aston Villa and Manchester United, presumed rivals for a European spot at the start of the campaign.

Tottenham are up next, another club vying for a continental football next season. But like the Red Devils, Spurs are also in a rut and struggling for consistency in 2024-25.

The pressure is beginning to ramp up on Ange Postecoglou, with criticism levelled at his style of play. While exciting for the neutral, a stubbornness to go all-in on his ultra-attacking style has resulted in Tottenham surrendering several leads this season.

Spurs are 11th, with seven defeats, three draws and nine defeats at the midway stage of the campaign. A win for Newcastle would see Eddie Howe’s men open up an 11-point cushion over their European rivals.

They will face a Tottenham team without Bentancur (suspended) or Udogie (hamstring) - two of their first-team starters. The pair will join Ben Davies (thigh), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Cristian Romero (foot) and Micky van de Ven (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Richarlison (hamstring) could return, as will Djed Spence following his suspension. Newcastle’s absentees include Callum Wilson (hamstring), Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both ACL), Emil Krafth (collar bone) and Fabian Schar (suspended).

Newcastle United will be without Fabian Schar for their London double-header against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

NewcastleWorld Essential: Your weekly round-up packed with everything you need to know from our great city.

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NewcastleWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.

Submitting...

Schar picked up his fifth Premier League yellow card of the campaign in the 2-0 win at Manchester United on Monday night. As per league rules, any player cautioned five times in their team’s opening 19 matches is handed an automatic one-match suspension.

The frustration for Newcastle and Schar is the defender was just 10 minutes away from avoiding such scenario. The visit to Spurs on Saturday sees the disciplinary threshold increase to 10 yellow cards in 32 games.

Schar serves his second ban of the campaign having missed three games for an apparent headbutt on Southampton forward Ben Brereton Diaz on the opening day. Dan Burn and Joelinton are the other two players to serve bans this term.

In addition, the former Switzerland international will miss the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal three days later. As per EFL rules, any player booked twice in the competition before the semi-final stage is handed a one-match competition ban.

Reacting to Schar’s absence, United boss Eddie Howe told NewcastleWorld: "Yeah, the coincidence is he's going to miss two games, of course, because of the Carabao Cup game as well. So it's a big blow for us and for him that we're going to have to change our back line because it's been so stable for us in the middle of the pitch.

“Fab and Dan have built up a really good partnership, but that will give an opportunity to someone else and hopefully the team won't be adversely affected."

Lloyd Kelly is in line to take Schar’s place while Sven Botman could return to the matchday for the first time since his ACL injury in March.