Spurs (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction
This was always going to be a huge game, but it feels even bigger after last weekend's setback. The 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa was out of character and arguably the first time we've been outplayed all season.
Some wonder if it was the first sign of us feeling the pressure. To me, it was the result of three-straight away games - all within 10 days - a in-form Aston Villa playing out of their skin, Unai Emery winning the tactical battle and a poor day individually for several of our key players; who were punished for being a few levels below their best.
The good thing about this side is their ability to bounce back from mini setbacks. We did it after that 97th minute defeat at Anfield and again after the cup final, so I'm backing us to respond when Spurs come to town tomorrow.
The visitors followed our heavy defeat with a 3-2 loss to Bournemouth last Saturday. They've not won any of their last six away games - four of those have been against sides battling relegation and another a cup game against Championship opposition - so there's nothing to fear. Instead, it feels like the perfect opportunity to rouse a sold out St James' Park and attack a Spurs side that seems to wilt whenever they're put under any real pressure. Win and we'll move SIX clear of the North London side with one game in hand; a huge incentive and our biggest chance yet to move a step closer to sealing Champions League football.
Speaking ahead of the game, here's what Eddie Howe had to say in Friday's press conference:
"It's a huge game for us. There's no denying that. At this stage of the season the games are running out and we're playing one of our competitors in the league. We're pleased to be at home and hope we can feel the force of the crowd."
"The huge league games, the crowd have been magnificent for us and definitely carried us in certain moments. It's the kind of game where you're never sure it's going to go your way for 90 minutes and there will be moments in the game where we need to be strong and compact together and hopefully the crowd can help."
Team news
Allan Saint-Maximin has been ruled out of this one. He's 'fine' and will be back on Tyneside next week, but he's still in France at present recovering from a hamstring problem.
Sean Longstaff has recovered from tonsilitis and Miguel Almiron has also 'trained well'. Emil Krafth remains absent but Howe is hopeful he'll be fit for pre-season.
For Spurs, Emerson Royal (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Rodrigo Bentancur (knee) and Yves Bissouma (ankle) remain out. Lucas Moura is also suspended, but Clement Lenglet and Ben Davies are facing late fitness tests after returning to training.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock - Almiron, Isak, Joelinton.
I'm expecting two changes from last Saturday's defeat at Villa Park, seeing Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron replace Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy.
With Saint-Maximin ruled out and Gordon failing to grasp his chance, it makes sense for Joelinton to play down the left, leaving a space in that midfield three for Longstaff to return.
The Geordie midfielder was a big miss at Villa and has 'trained well' all week. Howe has also defended Dan Burn and questioned if 'one bad day' for our usually reliable back five is enough to justify a change. With that in mind, I see the big man from Blyth keeping his place. He has been poor of late, but I can't see us messing with the best defence in England for our biggest game of the season.
It may seem harsh on Jacob Murphy - who has filled in admirably - to bring Almiron straight back into the side now he's fit. I just feel the Paraguayan can offer the pace, energy and goal-threat we were often missing last Saturday. He's our top scorer and could cause havoc with his relentless pressing and runs in behind, especially if he can produce the sort of link up play that saw he, Trippier and Bruno run riot down our right earlier in the season.
I wouldn't rule out Callum Wilson returning to our XI - he loves to score against Spurs and is often the man for the big occasions at SJP. However, I'm not sure this is the time to change formation in order to accommodate him and Isak? The latter can play down the left, but I see Joelinton and Willock combining down that side in what's become a tried and tested partnership.
Prediction
We can't get ahead of ourselves, but we have so many reasons to believe heading into this one.
Our home record is superb, we have a history of bouncing back from defeats with big performances and Spurs have been awful away from home of late - their last four in the league have featured draws against Everton and Southampton, along with defeats to Leicester (4-1!) and Wolves.
I think we'll play without fear, swamp them in midfield and cause their leaky defence plenty of problems. We'll have to keep a close eye on Son and Kane, but I back us to keep it tight and hurt them at the other end. Isak and Almiron to score in a massive win for Eddie Howe's Mags.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Tottenham
HWTL!
