Prediction: Newcastle vs Tottenham

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

Getting a new era underway at St. James’ Park this weekend, Newcastle will welcome Tottenham to the north east on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, with their controversial Saudi-led takeover finally getting announced last week, there is no doubt that the mood around St. James’ Park is at a red-hot high. Skyrocketing their way to the top of world football’s rich list overnight, the Magpies now have to turn their attention back to on-field matters. With it appearing that Steve Bruce will remain in the dugout ahead of Sunday’s return to action, Newcastle still find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap. With all eyes from across Europe firmly on them this weekend as a new era gets underway, the Toon Army will be desperate to finally collect maximum points. While there should be an electric atmosphere inside St. James’ Park, Bruce’s side have failed to win any of their opening seven Premier League matchups. Last seen heading into the international break with a 2-1 defeat away at Wolves, it should also be noted that continuing on from last season, Newcastle have managed to win just a trio of their last 16 top-flight home fixtures.

Team News

With it confirmed that Steve Bruce will remain in charge on Sunday, Newcastle could be boosted by the return of a handful of first-team stars.

With it looking like attacking talisman Callum Wilson could feature, Jonjo Shelvey, Jamaal Lascelles and Joe Willock are also in line to make their return.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, last seen heading into the international break with what was a much-needed boost on home soil, there is no doubt that Tottenham will be desperate to build off of that result. Enduring what was a nightmare run of form throughout September that saw them suffer consecutive hammerings at the hands of Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and bitter rivals Arsenal, Spurs did at least manage to enter the international break with a 2-1 win against Aston Villa. However, while the north London outfit might mark their return to action sat in the top-half, there remains plenty of pressure on new boss Nuno Espírito Santo. Still tipped as a real outside pick to secure a Champions League return this season, the former Wolves boss will have a headache over his side’s issues in the final third. With attacking talisman Harry Kane enduring a nightmare run of form and still waiting to bag his first Premier League strike, it’s worth noting that Spurs have scored more than a single goal in just one of their opening seven contests.

Team News

Having to withdraw from international duties with Wales, Ben Davies looks set to miss out at St. James’ Park. Likewise, neither Stephen Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon are expected to feature on Sunday.

After returning a pair of positive COVID-19 tests, Tottenham will be without two first-team stars this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off, Newcastle and Tottenham played out a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park.
• However, the Magpies have failed to win any of their opening seven Premier League matchups so far this season.
• Tottenham’s 2-1 win against Aston Villa last time out brought an end to their three-match losing run.
• Each of Newcastle’s last five matchups have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, each of the three previous meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with both teams scoring.

Conclusion

With the mood around St. James’ Park likely to be at a red-hot high, Newcastle will be desperate to find an on-field bounce this weekend. Marking their return from the international break still without a win from their opening seven Premier League matchups, the Magpies have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. Last seen getting hit with a 2-1 defeat away at Wolves, we could have a similar affair on Sunday afternoon. With Spurs bringing an end to their three-match losing run as they landed a 2-1 win against Aston Villa earlier in the month, all eyes will certainly be on the north east as a new era gets underway. Playing out a 2-2 draw when they faced off at St. James’ Park last season, we’re backing both teams to find the net here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet