Tottenham vs Newcastle Preview: New-Look Spurs Face an Early Premier League Test
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should have a very different feeling when Newcastle United arrive on Saturday.
Tottenham have spent heavily, Roberto De Zerbi has been handed a dramatically rebuilt squad, and supporters are beginning to see just how ambitious this new project could become.
But there is one problem.
Newcastle have become something of a nightmare opponent for Spurs.
That makes this one of the most fascinating Premier League games of the weekend.
Tottenham Need a Response
Tottenham’s Premier League season could hardly have started worse.
Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Brentford in their opening league match, raising immediate questions about how quickly De Zerbi can bring so many new players together.
The response in midweek was much better.
Tottenham demolished Charlton 5-1 in the EFL Cup, giving the players some confidence before returning to Premier League action.
Now comes the real test.
Beating Newcastle would quickly change the mood around North London.
Losing again would leave Spurs under pressure remarkably early in the season.
Tottenham’s New Attack Suddenly Looks Dangerous
This Tottenham squad looks very different from the one supporters were watching not long ago.
Spurs have invested more than £300 million in their rebuild, with De Zerbi receiving significant backing in the transfer market.
Two of the most exciting additions are former Manchester City attackers Savio and Omar Marmoush.
Marmoush has arrived initially on loan with an obligation to buy, while Savio has already made an immediate impression, scoring and assisting against Charlton in the League Cup.
That gives Tottenham something they desperately need:
pace, unpredictability and creativity around the penalty area.
For Newcastle, defending against this new-look Spurs attack could be very different from facing Tottenham last season.
Omar Marmoush Could Be the Man Everyone Watches
This game could provide Tottenham supporters with their first Premier League look at Omar Marmoush.
De Zerbi confirmed that the Egyptian forward is available, although the Tottenham manager must decide whether to start him immediately or introduce him from the bench.
Marmoush brings direct running, movement behind defenders and an ability to score from several positions.
Put him alongside Savio and suddenly Tottenham possess an attack capable of stretching Newcastle in ways that Spurs have struggled to do previously.
If Marmoush gets onto the pitch, expect the atmosphere to rise immediately.
But Newcastle Shouldn’t Fear Tottenham
Newcastle will look at this fixture and see opportunity rather than danger.
The Magpies opened their league campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Liverpool, showing that they remain capable of competing against powerful attacking teams.
More importantly, Newcastle’s recent record against Tottenham is excellent.
They have won their last two Premier League visits to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by 2-1.
That matters.
Newcastle know they can win here.
And psychologically, Tottenham know it too.
The Sandro Tonali Story Adds Another Twist
There will also be plenty of attention on Sandro Tonali.
Tottenham’s summer rebuild included bringing Tonali to North London, meaning he now has the unusual experience of preparing to face his former Newcastle teammates.
That battle in midfield could be one of the most interesting areas of the match.
Newcastle know Tonali’s strengths.
Tonali knows Newcastle’s weaknesses.
Whoever controls central midfield could control the match.
Tottenham’s Injury Situation
De Zerbi still doesn’t have everyone available.
James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski and Xavi Simons are among Tottenham’s injury absentees.
Micky van de Ven has also been dealing with fitness concerns, although De Zerbi indicated that he could be available, while Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus have been working towards returning.
Those absences are important because Newcastle are exactly the type of opponent capable of exploiting uncertainty in a reorganised defence.
Newcastle Have Problems of Their Own
Newcastle aren’t arriving with a completely healthy squad either.
Joelinton is among their important absentees, while striker William Osula picked up a foot injury against Liverpool and is expected to spend time on the sidelines.
That could push greater attacking responsibility onto players such as Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes and Yoane Wissa.
And if Tottenham push too many players forward, Newcastle certainly have enough pace to cause problems on the counterattack.
Where This Match Could Be Won
This game could become very open.
Tottenham are playing at home.
They are coming off a 3-0 league defeat.
Their supporters will demand aggression.
De Zerbi’s philosophy naturally encourages his teams to play with the ball and attack.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have already demonstrated against Liverpool that they are capable of trading blows with top opposition.
That creates the possibility of exactly the type of Premier League match supporters love:
attacks at both ends, transitions, chances and goals.
Xscore Prediction
Choosing the outright winner isn’t straightforward.
The bookmakers slightly favour Tottenham, with the odds supplied to Xscore putting Spurs around 2.19, Newcastle at 3.05 and the draw at 3.65.
There are good arguments for Tottenham.
Home advantage.
New attacking signings.
A confidence-boosting 5-1 cup victory.
And a strong desire to respond after the Brentford defeat.
But Newcastle’s excellent recent record in this fixture cannot simply be ignored.
Xscore Best Pick: Both Teams to Score — YES
This may be more attractive than trying to choose the winner.
Both teams possess attacking quality, while neither defence looks impossible to break down.
Goals Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
The last five Premier League meetings between these clubs have all produced more than 2.5 goals, and another open match looks possible.
Safer Result Pick: Tottenham Double Chance — 1X
Spurs desperately need a response and home advantage should help, but Newcastle’s record against them makes backing Tottenham outright considerably riskier.
Players to Watch
Omar Marmoush — Tottenham
Possibly making his Spurs league debut, Marmoush can transform Tottenham’s attack.
Savio — Tottenham
A goal and assist in the cup was an excellent introduction. His pace and one-on-one ability could give Newcastle problems.
Anthony Elanga — Newcastle
If Tottenham dominate possession and leave space behind their defence, Elanga could become extremely dangerous on the break.
Correct Score Prediction
Tottenham 2-2 Newcastle
I expect Tottenham to attack.
I expect Newcastle to respond.
And I would be surprised if this game remains quiet for 90 minutes.
A Tottenham victory would not surprise anyone, particularly with their new attacking options, but Newcastle’s recent dominance of this fixture makes them difficult to dismiss.
Xscore Final Verdict
Main Prediction: Both Teams to Score
Goals Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
Result Protection: Tottenham or Draw (1X)
Correct Score: Tottenham 2-2 Newcastle
Tottenham have spent heavily to build something exciting under Roberto De Zerbi.
Newcastle arrive knowing they have already conquered this stadium repeatedly.
Now we find out whether Tottenham’s expensive new era is ready to change the story.
This one has goals written all over it.
