Premier League: Spurs are in Control of Their Destiny For Now

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

The Spurs are keen on returning to the Champions League next season, so they are clinging to the fourth spot in the Premier League standings.

Ange Postecoglou’s side is coming off a 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest to spoil Nuno Espirito Santo’s North London return. Now with 60 points, they are level with fifth-placed Aston Villa, but they have the edge since they have a game in hand over them.

Up next for Tottenham are Newcastle United, who are fighting against time to return to Europe next season.

After winning against the Cottagers on Saturday, the Magpies are currently eighth with 47 points and are unlikely to make it back to the Champions League, so qualifying for the Europa League is their consolation.

Which team will extend their undefeated run this weekend? Continue reading below for today’s preview.

Talking Points

Newcastle United need another big game from Isak

Alexander Isak has been one of the Magpies’ brightest spots this season because he is their leading scorer, with 19 goals across all competitions. The Swedish international has scored five goals in his last five appearances, so Tottenham’s backline has him on top of their scouting report this weekend.

Because he has been solid, Isak is being coveted by rival clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, as they plan to take advantage of Newcastle United’s financial constraints.

Earlier this week, Eddie Howe reiterated that Newcastle United aren’t keen on selling their star striker, but their stance may change if Arsenal and Tottenham, for example, push through with their £100 million bid.

Other than Alexander Isak, Tottenham’s backline would need to account for Anthony Gordon, who is Newcastle United’s second-leading scorer with 10 goals and six assists this season, although he has yet to find the back of the net since their 3-0 victory over Wolves last month.

Newcastle United have been bit by the injury bug recently, as Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles, Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, and Nick Pope will remain sidelined this weekend, while centre-back Sven Botman was declared out for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign due to a torn ACL.

Tottenham face grueling schedule ahead

Tottenham’s game-in-hand advantage over Aston Villa is going to be useless if they drop points against Newcastle United because they will enter a huge gauntlet of Premier League title contenders after Saturday.

The Spurs are set to take on Manchester City and Arsenal next to conclude April. After the Chelsea game on May 3, Tottenham will face Liverpool on May 5.

But unlike Newcastle United, Tottenham’s injury list has eased up a little, as only Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon, and Fraser Foster are listed as their long-term absentees.

According to the Premier League 2024 updates, Richarlison, who was given the night off against Nottingham Forest, might feature for Spurs on Saturday if he doesn’t suffer a setback this week.

Heung-Min Son will continue to lead this team either way. The South Korean captain is the team’s top scorer, with 15 goals and nine assists this season.

History

Tottenham defeated Newcastle United 4-1 in their reverse fixture in December, as Destiny Udogie, Richarlison (brace), and Heung-Min Son all found the back of the net for Spurs, while Joelinton prevented a clean sheet for the Magpies.

However, Newcastle United won this exact fixture last season with a score of 6-1, as Jacob Murphy (brace), Alexander Isak (brace), Joelinton, and Callum Wilson scored for the Magpies, while Harry Kane scored the Spurs’ only goal.

Newcastle United haven’t beaten Tottenham in two league games in a row at St. James Park since December 2008.

The Spurs have scored at least once in each of their last 17 Premier League away matches against the Magpies since a 4-0 loss in December 2003, their longest scoring streak against an opponent in their Premier League history.

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2024 odds predict a tight affair between Newcastle United and Tottenham on Saturday. For this one, the Spurs were given the advantage at 2.25 odds, whereas the Magpies are not far behind at 2.58, and a draw is at 3.72 in the 1X2 market.

SBOTOP football fans are in for a treat because this particular fixture has yielded a bunch of goals, and we feel that such a trend will continue this weekend, hence our recommended bet above, while Over 3.50 at 1.98 and Total Goal 4-6 at 2.18 should be considered as well.

On the other hand, a Correct Score of 4-1 in favour of the Spurs – the result of their previous fixture – has a 36.00 offer.

 

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