TEAM NEWS: Tonali returns in two changes - Confirmed Newcastle XI vs Tottenham

The team sheets are in at St James' Park, where Newcastle United take on Spurs in tonight's 8.15pm kick off in the Premier League.

Coming off the back of our biggest win of the season so far away at Everton, we kick off a packed December fixture list against Thomas Frank’s out-of-form side.

This fixture has delivered some memorable results in recent years, including 6-1, 4-0 and 2-0 wins for us at home. And considering how Spurs played this past weekend against Fulham, we head into tonight’s clash as the firm favourites.

Here’s how Eddie Howe has lined up the team, with some notable changes from the trip to Merseyside on Saturday…

Confirmed line ups

Newcastle XI: Ramsdale - Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall - Miley, Joelinton, Tonali - Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes

Subs: Ruddy, Schar, Guimaraes, Gordon, Elanga, Willock, A.Murphy, Ramsey, Neave

Spurs XI: Vicario - Porro, Romero, Danso, Udogie -Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall - Kudus, Johnson, Kolo-Muani

Sandro Tonali returns to the Toon starting XI tonight, having been benched against Everton to give the Milanese maestro a much-needed rest, as one of two changes to Saturday’s side.

Lewis Miley, who was excellent against Everton as part of the midfield three, retains his place in the team. Bruno Guimaraes starts from the bench tonight as compatriot Joelinton completes the trio.

Jacob Murphy also returns to the starting XI, in what will feel like a bit of a snub for Anthony Elanga after the Swede got his first assist of the season at the Hill Dickinson. But this is a fixture Murphy has some fond memories of, here’s hoping he delivers again tonight.

After the news that Nick Pope will be out for three weeks due to a groin injury, Aaron Ramsdale retains his spot in between the sticks, and will be hoping for a repeat performance from the Carabao Cup win back in October.

Each of Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Sven Botman (back), Will Osula (ankle) and Yoane Wissa (knee) are, as expected, also missing from the matchday squad.

Meanwhile for the visitors, captain Cristian Romero returns from his suspension that saw him miss out on the loss to Fulham, with Mickey Van de Ven making way for the Argentine.

Amongst the other changes are Brennan Johnson replacing Richarlison, and the duo of Papa Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur coming in for Archie Gray and Joao Palhinha.

Let’s get December off to the perfect start with a third league win in a row. Howay The Lads!