Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash in a post-season friendly on Wednesday, three days after concluding their 2023-24 Premier League campaigns.
The match will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, a controversial trip that has been criticised by players and fans alike for its timing and environmental impact.
Form and Recent Performances
Newcastle ended their Premier League season on a high note with a 4-2 victory over Brentford, securing seventh place and a potential spot in the Europa Conference League, pending the outcome of the FA Cup final.
Tottenham, on the other hand, finished fifth and guaranteed Europa League football next season with a 3-0 win against Sheffield United.
The Magpies have shown strong form in recent encounters with Spurs, winning three of their last four meetings, including a 4-0 triumph in April.
However, Tottenham also claimed a 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
Team News
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s squad for the Australia trip includes 29 players but notably excludes Anthony Gordon, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, and Fabian Schar, who has a hamstring strain.
Other absentees include Sean Longstaff, Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius, and Sandro Tonali.
However, key players like Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes are available, along with promising youngsters Garang Kuol and Harrison Ashby.
Predicted Newcastle Starting Lineup
Pope, Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall, White, Guimaraes, Anderson Almiron, Wilson, Barnes
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have also named a 29-man squad for the friendly, missing several key players such as Cristian Romero, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Giovani Lo Celso.
Injuries have sidelined Richarlison, Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, Timo Werner, and Ben Davies.
Nonetheless, captain Son Heung-min, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, and Dejan Kulusevski are all set to feature.
Predicted Tottenham Starting Lineup
Austin, Porro, Phillips, Van de Ven, Emerson, Skipp, Sarr, Johnson, Maddison,, Kulusevski, Son
Prediction
Given the mixed squad selections and the unpredictable nature of post-season friendlies, this match could be evenly contested.
Both teams have travelled with a mix of experienced players and young talent, which may lead to an open and competitive game.
Our Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
FAQ
When and where is the Newcastle vs. Tottenham match taking place? The match is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.
Why is the match being played in Australia? The friendly match is part of a post-season tour aimed at expanding the clubs’ fanbases in Oceania and benefiting financially.
How did Newcastle and Tottenham perform in the 2023-24 Premier League season? Newcastle finished seventh, while Tottenham secured fifth place, qualifying for the Europa League.
What is the recent head-to-head record between Newcastle and Tottenham? Newcastle has won three of the last four encounters, including a 4-0 victory in April. Tottenham won the reverse fixture 4-1.
Who are the key players missing from Newcastle’s squad for this match? Key absentees for Newcastle include Anthony Gordon (Achilles injury), Fabian Schar (hamstring strain), Sean Longstaff, Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius, and Sandro Tonali.
Which important players are missing from Tottenham’s squad? Tottenham will be without Cristian Romero, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso, Richarlison, Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, Timo Werner, and Ben Davies due to injuries and other reasons.
Who are the notable players available for Newcastle? Newcastle’s squad includes Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Garang Kuol, and Harrison Ashby.
Who are the notable players available for Tottenham? Tottenham’s squad features Son Heung-min, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, and Dejan Kulusevski.
Will this match affect Newcastle’s qualification for European competitions? No, this match is a friendly and does not impact their qualification. Newcastle’s entry into the 2024-25 Europa Conference League depends on the FA Cup final result between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Are there any additional fixtures for Newcastle during their Australia tour? Yes, after facing Tottenham, Newcastle will play against the Australian A-League All Stars on Friday at Marvel Stadium.
