Tottenham (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & score prediction
In true international break fashion, it feels like an absolute age since we last played - doesn't it?!
After previously going on a NINE-game unbeaten run, the 17-day gap and warm-weather training camp in Dubai probably came at a good time after we looked a little laboured and flat in our last game; a 1-0 defeat to Everton's 10-men at Goodison Park.
Next up, yet another away day sees us take on a resurgent Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They've had a patchy season, but have actually won five of their last seven games, scoring 19 goals in that time and seeing Harry Kane get back to his brilliant best in the process.
That said, they remain a soft touch defensively under Antonio Conte, giving us reason to believe we can come away from London with another good result, with us yet to taste defeat at their new stadium.
We come into this closer to the top 10 (five points away) than the relegation zone (nine points clear), but Burnley play twice over the next few days and could close the gap between themselves and those clear of the bottom three, meaning our focus on survival must be maintained as we enter the final stretch.
Team news
Fabian Schar (adductor) and Martin Dubravka (illness) both returned early from international duty, but both have been passed fit for selection after training on Tyneside.
Jonjo Shelvey is back in contention after overcoming a period of illness, while Allan Saint-Maximin is finally ready to start again after working on his fitness levels in Dubai.
Kieran Trippier is edging closer to a return from a broken foot, however Callum Wilson won't be back anytime soon based on Eddie Howe's comments in Friday's press conference.
Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon have both been ruled out for Spurs, however Ben Davies has been passed fit to play despite pulling out of the Wales squad.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett - Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton - Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
Martin Dubravka – Seems to be fine after leaving the Slovakia camp early through illness last week and may need to be at his best to keep the likes of Kane and Son at bay!
Javier Manquillo – Unlike Krafth, who has been away with Sweden, he's been training with the squad over the past few weeks, meaning he could have the edge here. His decent pace could also mean he's better suited to come up against Son.
Fabian Schar – Appears to be OK, with Howe confirming he's trained since returning from a spell with the Swiss national team. Lascelles is ready to step in if needed, though. In fact, I wouldn't be overly surprised if we opted for a back three (as we did at Chelsea).
Dan Burn – Deservedly voted our player of the month for March, but will be looking to recover from curel mistakes that cost us in each of our last two games.
Matt Targett – Did very little wrong in defeats at Everton and Chelsea, defending well and delivering some brilliant balls into the box from open play and set pieces.
Joe Willock – With Bruno Guimaraes not long returning from a spell in South America with Brazil, I wouldn't be surprised if Willock is handed another start here.
Jonjo Shelvey – Fit again after missing our last few games through illness, so should return to our XI after being declared ready to return by Howe.
Joelinton – One of the first names on the team sheet these days and will have benefited from the rest over the past few weeks after managing an ongoing groin issue.
Ryan Fraser – His energy will be needed against Reguilon and Son, with both likely to bomb on down Spurs' left. His ability to put good balls into the box for Wood will also be a weapon.
Allan Saint-Maximin – Howe may feel like this isn't the game to start ASM given how Tottenham's marauding full-backs get forward, however he is our biggest threat and could expose the gaps they leave at the other end. Also, he'll only get back to full match fitness with starts...
Chris Wood – Scored five goals over the break and became New Zealand's all time top scorer in the process, giving him a confidence boost - even if he'll have a clocked up a fair few air miles!
Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris - Romero, Dier, Davies - Doherty, Bentancur, Højbjerg, Reguilon - Kulusevski, Son - Kane.
Match prediction
Last time we came back from a warm-weather training camp, we put together a six-game unbeaten run featuring five wins and a string of superb displays, so we'll have to hope Dubai has had a similar impact to Saudi!
Tottenham have had a lot of players away on international duty, so won't have been able to prepare quite as well as Eddie Howe's Mags, giving us the edge in that respect.
It's hard to be confident against a Conte side featuring Kane and Son, but I've got a sneaky feeling we'll come away with a point here!
Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle
