Two sides hoping to secure qualification for the Champions League do battle on Sunday as Newcastle host Tottenham at St. James’ Park.
Both teams are unbeaten in the Premier League so far, with four points gained apiece over the first two games.
Match Preview
Newcastle recent form
Newcastle had to battle for a win in their opening game of the season as they went a man down against Southampton early on after Fabian Schar’s dismissal. They eventually won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Joelinton.
They weren’t at their best against Bournemouth and ended up drawing 1-1 in the next match, while during the week they progressed in the League Cup after beating Nottingham Forest on penalties.
Newcastle injury news
Newcastle already have a number of key players out injured including Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Lewis Miley, Callum Wilson, Martin Dubravka and Joe Willock.
Former Arsenal man Willock suffered a thigh injury in the draw against Forest.
Schar is still serving a suspension.
Last Newcastle starting XI
Tottenham recent form
The most dominant 45 minutes of this season so far arguably came from Spurs on the opening day against Leicester. Despite their sheer dominance, they eventually drew that game 1-1.
On Matchday Two, they took their chances better and beat Everton 4-0.
Tottenham injury news
Unfortunately for Spurs, star signing Dominic Solanke is missing until the middle of September due to an ankle injury.
There are concerns over the fitness of Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven but all could feature as their injuries are not serious.
Last Tottenham starting XI
Referee: Robert Jones
Assistants: Ian Hussin, Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth official: Darren Bond
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Assistant VAR: Natalie Aspinall
Newcastle – Player to Watch?
Antony Gordon proved Newcastle’s saviour in the Bournemouth game last week and he was their best player on the day.
Tottenham – Player to Watch?
With Solanke out for a while, Heung-min Son will play as centre-forward again and he proved his prowess in that position against Newcastle, scoring two goals.
Both Teams to Score
Newcastle have scored in six and conceded in four of their last six home games, while Tottenham have scored in four and conceded in five of their last six away games.
The fact Newcastle not only played during the week, but played extra-time, may prove a factor in this one.
Scoreline prediction – Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham
For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.
