This Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs will host a confident Newcastle team for the 20th round of the Premier League. An exciting duel is expected between two teams with contrasting dynamics.
Eddie Howe’s men, impressive winners over Manchester United at Old Trafford (0-2) on December 30, continue to assert their excellent form. Currently fifth in the standings with thirty-two points, the Magpies are showing great momentum, strongly influenced by the decisive Alexander Isak. This victory against the Red Devils, obtained thanks to total domination in the first period, perfectly illustrates the renewed solidity of the Toons.
Conversely, Tottenham are going through a more difficult period. Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, stuck in 11th place with twenty-four points, are struggling to regain their flair from the start of the season. Recent performances reflect the current limitations of a team that struggles to convert strong spells, as demonstrated in their recent draw against Wolves, who are struggling to avoid relegation. The three-point gap with Brighton, 10th, remains within reach in the event of a victory, although 4th place is already eleven points away…
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Recent statistics from both teams suggest an open match: Newcastle systematically find the net in their recent outings, while Tottenham regularly sees their matches exceed three goals. A new offensive festival could be on the cards.
For predictions on the Tottenham vs Newcastle match, Newcastle seems to be the favorite with odds of 2.20.
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Tottenham’s current period reflects a worrying instability, with erratic results illustrating the limits of the attacking approach promoted by Ange Postecoglou. The recent 2-2 draw against Wolves, ranked 17th, is symptomatic of Spurs’ defensive difficulties, struggling to manage their highlights.
Despite goals from Bentancur and Johnson, the team came together in the final minutes, confirming a worrying tendency to buckle under pressure. Without a clean sheet in the last four matches, having conceded twelve goals during this period, Tottenham are indeed experiencing defensive problems.
A 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and a spectacular 3-6 defeat to Liverpool also underline this defensive fragility, although the team maintains its ability to score, as evidenced by the 4-3 victory against Manchester United in the FA Cup. League.
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-Currently in 11th place with only 24 points, this reflects this inconsistency, especially with the gap with Brighton (3 points) and Brentford in the hunt, which illustrates an uncomfortable position in the middle of the table. The statistics are revealing: in their last five games, Spurs have scored 80% of the time but have also conceded in the same proportions, highlighting a structural imbalance that Postecoglou is struggling to correct.
The prolonged absence of James Maddison does not help the situation of a team still seeking a balance between offensive ambitions and defensive solidity. Before the League Cup semi-final against Liverpool and the major derby against Arsenal (not forgetting the FA Cup match), Spurs must quickly get back on track at the start of January if they do not want to start 2024 as they finished it!
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For the match against Newcastle, Tottenham are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system, a preferred formation of Ange Postecoglou this season. Barring any significant last-minute upsets, here is the Spurs’ likely lineup.
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This team is built on the team’s recent performances, especially against Wolves. The Bissouma-Bentancur duo should provide the necessary balance in midfield, allowing the attacking trio of Johnson, Kulusevski and Son to support Solanke in attack. Johnson’s return to form could prove decisive on the right flank of the attack. Forster will be in goal.
Newcastle have displayed impressive form towards the end of 2024, with a run of five consecutive victories in all competitions. The Magpies particularly made an impression in their last outing at Old Trafford, winning 2-0 against Manchester United with early goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
This victory follows convincing successes against Aston Villa (3-0) and Ipswich (4-0), demonstrating remarkable offensive efficiency with 16 goals scored in their last five matches. Newcastle have been consistent and have not been silent in their last eight games. There are high hopes for the future as they prepare to face Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final on Tuesday January 7!
Eddie Howe’s team stands out for its ability to take the lead in the first half, a trend confirmed throughout this winning series. Alexander Isak continues to impress in attack, while the defense has shown considerable resilience with consecutive clean sheets: three in a row and four in their last five games. This defensive solidity, combined with high pressing and effective offensive transitions, sees Newcastle occupy 5th place in the standings, just three points behind Chelsea, 4th: the race for Europe is on!
This positive dynamic contrasts with the difficulties encountered at the start of the season, and the team seems to have found its rhythm, particularly in managing the current sequence of matches despite a squad sometimes limited by injuries. The progression is all the more remarkable as the Magpies manage to maintain a high level of performance against a variety of opponents, whether in the Premier League or the League Cup.
Newcastle fields a balanced and formidable team, reflecting their current momentum. Martin Dúbravka keeps the goals, offering his usual confidence. The defense is built around the experience of Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schär, while Dan Burn and youngster Lewis Hall complete a strong rearguard. In midfield, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton bring creativity and physical power, supported by Zac Miley. In attack, the trio of Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon promise speed, technique and finishing ability; an ideal combination for breaking through opposing defenses. A composition that matches the ambitions of the Magpies!
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