Matt Oldfield
What: English Premier League
Who: Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur
When: Sunday, 16th October, at 16:00 UK time
Where: St James’ Park, Newcastle, England
Gunning for Europe?
Newcastle United have been the surprise package so far in this season’s Premier League. Expectations were low following the unsettling departures of key players Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique over the summer, but having made their best start to a season in 17 years, Alan Pardew’s side sit fourth in the table, unbeaten in seven games.
Solid at the back and industrious in midfield, the Magpies look rejuvenated and united in the absence of Barton and co. Up front, a newly-fit Shola Ameobi will provide strong competition for the in-form strike partnership of Demba Ba and Leon Best.
Following the international break, Pardew has slight concerns over the fitness of key players Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba, but hopes to have both available for this clash. On the plus side, however, the week off has allowed Hatem Ben Arfa, Sylvain Marveaux, Davide Santon and Dan Gosling to take big strides in their returns from injury. Ben Arfa in particular could be in line to start against Tottenham.
While confidence is sky-high in the Newcastle camp, manager Pardew remains realistic: “It sets us up for a real blue-riband game with Spurs who are far superior to us individually. They have top international players. But we’re a decent team.”
A Team on the Rise
Tottenham Hotspur make a habit of starting badly, and this season was no exception. With the unrest caused by the Luka Modric transfer saga weighing heavily on the club, Harry Redknapp’s side looked lacklustre at best in disheartening defeats to the two Manchester teams; their leaky defence shipped a total of eight goals. The squad appeared frail and distracted, lacking the key elements necessary to fight for a Champions League place.
As per usual, however, Redknapp has turned things around. With the signings of Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor, Tottenham now have a midfield terrier and a world-class target man. Since the 5-1 home defeat to Manchester City, Spurs have won four games in a row, including morale-boosting victories over rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.
Adebayor and Defoe are forming a dangerous strike partnership, brilliantly supported by Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and a focused Modric. At the back, Spurs have conceded just two goals in four games, thanks to the resurgence of Ledley King and a consistent selection policy.
Redknapp may, however, face some difficult starting eleven decisions ahead of the trip north. A niggling hamstring injury could keep Adebayor out, while Vedran Corluka, Niko Kranjcar, Sandro and Van der Vaart are all also doubts following international duty. The former Portsmouth boss put a brave face on things, though: “We have got one or two niggles but hopefully we’ll be okay.”
Recent form
Newcastle United:
Nottingham Forest 3-4 Newcastle United (20/09; Carling Cup)
Newcastle United 3-1 Blackburn Rovers (24/09; Premier League)
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Newcastle United
(01/10; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur:
Wigan 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
(24/09; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Shamrock Rovers (29/09; Europa League)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Arsenal (02/10; Premier League)
Key absences
Newcastle United: Mike Williamson; Alan Smith; Yohan Cabaye (doubt); Demba Ba (doubt)
Tottenham Hotspur: Tom Huddlestone; Michael Dawson; William Gallas; Sandro; Emmanuel Adebayor; Rafael van der Vaart
Players to watch
Newcastle United – Demba Ba: With four goals in his last two games for the Magpies, the Senegalese frontman will be looking to continue his great start to the season. Powerful, pacy and good in front of goal, the former West Ham star could pose a big threat to an occasionally shaky Tottenham backline. Leon Best, too, will cause problems.
Tottenham Hotspur – Luka Modric: With both Adebayor and Van der Vaart looking doubtful, much rests on the diminutive Croatian to provide the attacking flair. The Chelsea target looks happier after a summer of unrest, and is getting back to his playmaking best. Away from home, his quick passing game, combined with the speed of Gareth Bale, could unlock the Newcastle defence on the counter-attack.
Match Prediction
This meeting of two in-form sides will prove a tough test for both. Much will depend on the fitness of Adebayor and Van der Vaart; if available, Tottenham should have the skill to overcome a Newcastle team lacking star individual talent. However, a strong team mentality could help Pardew’s Newcastle side, buoyed by the home advantage, overcome a weakened Spurs side. But provided one or both are fit, expect Tottenham’s good form to continue in a hotly-contested clash. Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur.
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