Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday’s Premier League action commences at St James’ Park with a blockbuster clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite keeping just one clean sheet across their last five home league outings and conceding ten goals in that stretch, Newcastle United avoided defeat on each occasion (W2, D3). Eddie Howe’s side had to fight back from a deficit to rescue five of the nine points they picked up in that sequence. That theme contrasts their long-standing problems in similar situations, having claimed just two points when conceding the opening goal this season (D2, L10). The Magpies will seek a more positive start after losing 4-1 in December’s reverse fixture. Yet, they can draw confidence from hammering Tottenham 6-1 in this match-up last season.

On the other hand, Tottenham dispatched relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest 3-1 last weekend, extending their unbeaten league streak to three games (W2, D1) and leapfrogging Aston Villa into fourth. However, Spurs sit level on points with fifth-placed Villa, meaning there’s no room for error if they’re to return to the Champions League. Worryingly for manager Ange Postecoglou, his men have traveled poorly of late, securing just one win in their last six away matches in the Premier League (D3, L2), conceding multiple goals on four occasions. The upcoming visit to St James’ Park could worsen that record, considering the Londoners have capitulated at least twice in their last three away H2Hs.