Newcastle United face a tough test as they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park on Super Easter Sunday.
Victory would move Newcastle five points clear of the relegation zone for at least a few hours, whereas Tottenham could go fifth with a win.
Team News
Martin Dubravka is a doubt for Newcastle after missing the early days of training this week through illness, which could result in Karl Darlow starting in goal despite Dubravka resuming towards end of this week.
Isaac Hayden (knee) is ruled out for rest of season and joins Fabian Schar (knee) on sidelines.
Allan Saint-Maximin (groin) and Callum Wilson (hamstring) could be in contention to return if pass late fitness tests.
Tottenham will have Erik Lamela available after the Argentinean served an one match ban in their away win at Aston Villa prior to the international break.
Son Heung-min (muscle) is in contention to return but Sergio Reguilon (foot), Ben Davies (calf) and Matt Doherty (knock) are doubts.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have taken just four points from their last seven meetings against Tottenham (W1, D1, L5).
- Tottenham are unbeaten in five of their last six trips to St James’ Park (W5, L1).
- Should Harry Kane score on his right foot, it would be his 100th right-footed league goal for Spurs.
- No Newcastle player has won more aerial battles than Joelinton, who has won 73 of 172 aerial battles in Premier League this season.
- Steve Bruce’s Magpies have won just one of three home league games refereed by Craig Pawson this season (W1, L2).
Prediction
Newcastle come into this game with massive questions hanging over them after a shambolic away performance at Brighton just before the break, in which they simply lacked any passion or defensive quality.
Tottenham meanwhile will be smelling three points here given their recent form despite a mini slump with defeats in two of their last three games in all competitions, because their quality overall should be enough to overwhelm Newcastle with or without Son involved.
On that note, I really can’t see past an one-sided result here but this is the acid test for Newcastle if want to try and create some breathing space ahead of a difficult run of matches in this next month.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Result: Newcastle United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur