Tottenham host Newcastle on Saturday, in what is the biggest Premier League clash of the weekend. Both teams failed to win their opening game, so will be eager to claim their first three points of the campaign. Newcastle are unbeaten in their last five matches against Tottenham, with at least three goals scored in each of these fixtures. We can expect an entertaining game with the potential of seeing plenty of goals
Tottenham look to respond
Tottenham kicked off their Premier League season with a disastrous 3-0 loss to Brentford. However, they arguably only had three starters on the pitch, with players still returning to action after the World Cup and new signings coming into the side. The Bees are looking like a team that could contend in the top half of the table this season, so I don’t think there should be alarm bells for Spurs fans just yet.
The main criticism of Tottenham was their lack of firepower upfront. There seemed to be no goal-scoring threat. Since last weekend, however, they have announced the signings of Omar Marmoush and Sávio from Manchester City. Sávio featured in the Carabao Cup against Charlton Athletic midweek, and in the 20 minutes he played, he scored and assisted. The Brazilian winger is likely to start against Newcastle.
Injury news at Spurs is promising. Long-term absentee, Mohamed Kudus, is back in training with the team. However, James Maddison fell awkwardly in the Brentford game and fractured his shoulder. The English midfielder will miss the game against Newcastle, but will be out for 10 days.
Newcastle showed encouraging signs vs. Liverpool
The Magpies opened their season with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at St James’ Park, a great result considering the mass exodus of first-team players over the summer window.
Newcastle go into this weekend’s game after reaching the third round of the Carabao Cup with a midweek 3-2 win over West Brom. This cup game allowed for the introduction of new forward signing Bazoumana Touré. Touré grabbed a goal on his debut and looks likely to feature again this weekend. Before kick-off against West Brom, new midfield signing Nico Gonzalez was unveiled to the crowd, and the Spaniard is an “option” to play against Tottenham, according to coach Matthias Jaissle.
Injury news for Newcastle is similar to Tottenham’s, with William Osula the only player from the first game who is set to be absent. He will be a big miss for the Magpies, as the young Dane seems to be their only threatening centre forward currently. Woltemade appears to be on his way out of the club, leaving them light for options at striker. However, there is some positive news for Newcastle fans on the injury front, as Livramento returned to training last week and is set to be back in the match-day squad.
Score prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Newcastle
