Tottenham Hotspur face a challenging trip to Newcastle United this Saturday as they look to take a step closer to Champions League qualification.
The Lilywhites are currently sat in fourth spot and above Aston Villa on goal difference with seven matches to play, although they do have a game in hand on Unai Emery’s side. Ange Postecoglou’s men have picked up seven points from their last three outings and will be aiming for revenge this weekend after suffering a 6-1 humiliation on their most recent trip to St James’ Park.
Tottenham have a relatively clean bill of health heading to Tyneside with only a few fringe players currently on the treatment table. The same can’t be said for Newcastle, whose injury woes continue to plague them heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Here is how Tottenham could line up against Newcastle this weekend.
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – One of Spurs’ most transformative players this season, the Italian is nailed-on to start every single week.
RB: Pedro Porro – Got his name on the scoresheet against Nottingham Forest and continues to be one of Postecoglou’s key creators with his runs from deep and excellent distribution.
CB: Cristian Romero – The famously hot-headed Argentine seems to have calmed down a little under Postecoglou and has quietly been one of the most impressive defenders in the Premier League this term.
CB: Micky van de Ven – The Dutchman has been another stellar summer signing and even showed his finishing ability with a cracking strike last time out. His pace will be essential up against the challenging Alexander Isak.
LB: Destiny Udogie – Much of Tottenham’s thrust down the left flank stems from the Italian’s relentless runs. He has firmly made that left-back spot his own despite his relative inexperience at the top level.
CM: Pape Matar Sarr – Was withdrawn at half-time against Nottingham Forest with the game level but he should enjoy more time on the pitch against Newcastle. The youngster has been a revelation this season for the Lilywhites, but does face competition from Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
CM: Yves Bissouma – There have been some question marks over his declining performance levels, but Postecoglou has tended to show faith in the Mali international. That’s unlikely to change at St James’ Park.
RM: Dejan Kulusevski – The Swede has had to accept a place on the bench in recent weeks but could be restored to the starting lineup against Newcastle. He still remains a great threat down the right, especially up against the inexperienced Lewis Hall this Saturday.
AM: James Maddison – Yet to rediscover his pre-injury form and hasn’t been at his creative best in 2024. However, he remains a player who can makes things happen, and he will serve as a serious distraction to Bruno Guimaraes.
LM: Brennan Johnson – The summer recruit has been in excellent form of late, grabbing a goal and an assist in his last three games. His energy and pace will cause an injury-hit Newcastle defence issues.
ST: Son Heung-min – The South Korean is guaranteed to start, but may be moved out to the wing at some point should Richarlison return from injury against the Magpies. He remains the difference-maker for Spurs.
