Tottenham make the trip up north to take on Newcastle in a game which will have an important say in the race for the European places.
Date: 13/04/24
Kick-off time: 12:30
Venue: St James’ Park
Newcastle’s hopes of a second consecutive season of Champions League football are over, but they are still well in the hunt to secure European qualification for next year. They currently occupy eighth, but are just two points behind Manchester United and one behind West Ham, who are sixth and seventh. Victory against Tottenham would give them important momentum heading into the final stretch, and would cut the deficit between themselves and this weekend’s opponents to 10 points. Defeat, however, could see them fall further behind and open up the door for the likes of Chelsea, Brighton and Wolves to gain ground.
Spurs are in control of their own destiny, with them sitting in fourth place, above Aston Villa on goal difference. With seven games to go, they will be hopeful of securing Champions League qualification, but they still have to play each of the top three teams, making victory in this game crucial. Any dropped points could hand the initiative back to Villa, who have a more favourable fixture list remaining.
Ange Postecoglou’s backline could be in for a long afternoon, as the hosts have scored 14 goals in their last five at St James’ Park. Alexander Isak has scored five goals in his last five, so will certainly be one for the visitors to look out for. Anthony Gordon will also be a threat, having scored nine goals this season so far. Spurs have won just one of their last six away games. However, they also have the talent to trouble the Newcastle defence. Heung-Min Son is the main danger, with his 15 goals this season only bettered by five players in the league.
There have been plenty of goals in the last six Premier League meetings between the pair, in which Spurs have won three to Newcastle’s two with one draw. Overall, there have been 30 goals between them, with some resounding victories for each. Last season, Newcastle famously beat their opponents 6-1, with three goals coming in the opening 10 minutes, and five after 21. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 4-1 in the favour of Spurs, as Destiny Udogie, Richarlison (x2) and Son got on the scoresheet before a late Joelinton consolation.