Preview of Tottenham versus Newcastle in Premier League

What to expect in Spurs @ Magpies

Sunday really all boils down to Tottenham and Spurs’ ability to finish their chances. Newcastle is going to play hard, they are only two points above the drop, but hard should not be enough. The key for Tottenham is getting in front of Newcastle and looking to bury the team early. If the Magpies are allowed to hang around, like they were in September, the odds begin to shift in their favor regarding stealing a point or more.

The one thing Spurs most have to watch for is the Newcastle counterattack. First, they like to attack down the right, meaning Sergio Reguilon needs to be ready. Second, the return of Allan Saint-Maximin from injury gives the Magpies a very dangerous threat upfront. With Callum Wilson likely out, expect more long balls to Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron up top.

Newcastle will try to use a front three and those long balls to keep the Spurs out of the final third and limit the clear looks at goal. If Tottenham can maintain their spacing and composure defensively then their superior midfield should have the opportunity to dominate the game. If Tanguy Ndombele and Pierre Højbjerg can keep the possession and limit the time Jonjo Shelvey has on the ball in the midfield, Tottenham should take control and win the match.

Ultimately, Tottenham has too much talent and this is too good of an opportunity to let pass by.  With one game per week for the next couple of weeks, José Mourinho can demand more of his players and use his substitutes to ensure they follow his plan. When the Lilywhites were in the middle of their hectic stretch of games, the options were more limited, on Sunday, Mourinho should give Spurs an edge over Steve Bruce and the Magpies. Expect a big Spurs win 0-3.