 |
| Alexander Isak and Heung Min Son will both have a say in Saturday's Premier League fixture at St. James's Park, which of them will come out tops? (Photo credit: Goal) |
With only seven to play for most teams and six for few, it’s the crucial stage of the season where every point counts, you cannot afford to slip up.
It’s serious business from here on across all fighting fronts; the top three are separated by just one point; the fight for the top four – in which Newcastle and Tottenham are both involved is heating up and there’s no respite for at least seven teams in the relegation zone.
Newcastle and Tottenham have identical stat from the last four games, both won two, drew one, and lost one in that sequence, Tottenham is in the driving seat for the fourth spot, Newcastle has an outside chance but they must win this game to remain in it.
The hosts are thirteen odd points off the fourth spot, a win over Tottenham on Saturday reduces that to ten points with fifteen to fight for, it’s highly unlikely that Newcastle will be able to usurp their visitors come the end of the season but, Spurs play the top three sides in their next five games, that’s scary.
Ange Postecoglou understands the league title is out of his reach in reality, but the fourth spot represents a significant achievement in his first season, if he’s able to wrap that up, he will have a fine shout for the manager of the season award.
How will Tottenham line up for this game? The visitors will not sit back, their Highline is now a part of their game and with almost all his favorite players available, expect Tottenham to press from the front with narrow lines.
Vicario’s long balls in quick transition and playing out from the back will feature in unique situations, Newcastle must avoid complacency at the back, Tottenham won’t forgive mistakes, someone must keep an eye on Timo Werner’s chaotic runs, he has forced two own goals from those in his last two games.
Newcastle’s injury crisis is alarming, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are both out on a long term, it’s makeshift for Eddie Howe now in that regard, the injury list is endless, and deploying two rusty fullbacks in Emile Kraft and Paul Dummett is hopeless.
Heung Min Son had a quiet game against Nottingham Forest, he will be the one to watch here as both teams seek to find results. Newcastle’s bench will be filled with teenagers from the academy, Tottenham should have a fine afternoon.
Verdict: Tottenham to win