Magpies to stand firm in North London
The Premier League returns after a dramatic international break of World Cup qualifying with Newcastle United travelling to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Antonio Conte’s men will be remaining optimistic that they can upset the odds to break into the top four ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal before they run out of games, although the international break may well have taken its toll on their squad.
The Magpies have experienced an impressive resurgence under Eddie Howe and have pulled clear of the relegation conversation.
Spurs are heavy favourites but have struggled to beat anyone convincing, with the exception of Leeds United, in a while under Conte.
There is some room for manoeuvre on the Asian Handicap in North London.
Process
Both sides have underperformed in both boxes this season, Spurs far more notably and they will be hoping to improve their defensive process to keep themselves on the right side of the fine margins in the season’s final stretch.
The North Londoners have been incredibly up and down since Conte came in and they almost seem more reliant on Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son as they ever have.
Having said that, they definitely have a better squad than the visitors and therefore can rotate more effectively if some players face late fitness tests ahead of the game.
A goal-laden game could well be on the cards with neither side’s backline looking entirely convincing this season.
Newcastle have looked a lot better since the January transfer window it has to be said with the likes of Dan Burn, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier all having positive impacts in the North East.
Goals?
It leans towards goals, however the rotated squads and general fatigue from a busy international break could see this one turn out with less goals than the form and attacking talent suggests.
Spurs have scored in seven of ten.
Spurs have conceded in six of ten.
Spurs have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Spurs have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Newcastle have scored in eight of ten.
Newcastle have conceded in seven of ten.
Newcastle have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Newcastle have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
There is some wriggle room with Spurs such heavy favourites to get Newcastle onside even if they lose by one goal, a bet that would have copped in their trip to Chelsea before the break.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
5-1 Spurs, back to the drawing board.