Toon Army on the march in north London
Newcastle United can close the gap on Tottenham Hotspur to just two points when the sides meet in north London on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League. The visitors have lost just once in 11 games, but more importantly, are showing they can turn some of their many draws into wins. Read our preview here:
Dier straits
Spurs were largely insipid in their midweek defeat against Manchester United, allowing the Red Devils to dominate both with and without the ball. Antonio Conte has managed to model his side into being one with a cautious approach to most games, which perhaps reflects the lack of a real playmaker in the now five-man midfield. Eric Dier is adept at making raking long forward passes from the heart of the defence, but such a ploy requires more of his teammates in white to commit their bodies forward into the final third. Both Richarlison and Dejan Kulisevseki are out, so the XI pick themselves.
Sean of the head
Miguel Almirón's sublime goal from the edge of the box secured all three points in their clash with Everton at St. James' Park, which continued their surge towards the summit of the table. Eddie Howe has contended well with a number of players remaining on the sidelines, which includes Alexander Isak until after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup just before Christmas. Joelinton is also carrying a knock, so a place in the midfield trio should still be in Sean Longstaff's grasp.
Betting tip
betway are offering 3.60 for an away win that would solidify Newcastle's European aspirations.
