Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle predictions for Sunday’s Premier League affair in North London. The Lilywhites endured an unwelcome moment in Premier League history with a 2-1 home loss to West Ham on Thursday night, while their opponents suffered a surprising 3-0 defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Everton. Who will bounce back? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Sunday, 10th December at 4:30 pm In:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle Predictions
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Spurs vs. Magpies: A Tactical Tussle in North London
Key Stats
– Newcastle has only kept one clean sheet in their last seven away league games.
– Heung-min Son has scored 9 goals in the current Premier League season.
As Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United brace for their Premier League showdown in North London, both teams are eager to rectify their midweek mishaps. Tottenham’s historic 2-1 defeat to West Ham United and Newcastle’s 3-0 stumble against Everton set the stage for a highly anticipated encounter.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Analysing Kulusevski’s recent performances and statistics provides a solid foundation for this prediction. The Swedish forward has been integral to Tottenham’s attacking play, blending seamlessly into Postecoglou’s system. His creativity and vision have been evident in his play, underlined by his average rating of 7.15, as per the BettingTips4You Expert Rating. His recent showings against teams like Chelsea, Wolverhampton, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and West Ham United demonstrate his consistent form, with ratings above 7 in most of these fixtures.
Moreover, Kulusevski’s underlying numbers paint a picture of a player poised to assist. He has an expected assists (xA) tally of 2.86, which suggests that he is due more assists based on the quality of chances he has created. With 4 big chances created and an average of 2.1 key passes per game, his ability to set up goalscoring opportunities is clear.
Tottenham’s offensive strategy, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting spaces on the wings, perfectly complements Kulusevski’s style of play. His partnership with Son Heung-min and Richarlison, combined with his tendency to drift wide and deliver crosses, increases the likelihood of him providing an assist.
Given Tottenham’s propensity for scoring, especially at home, and Kulusevski’s integral role in their attack, betting on him to deliver at least one assist against a Newcastle team that has struggled defensively on the road seems a prudent choice.
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Team Dynamics and Tactical Overview
Tottenham Hotspur’s Struggles and Tactical Approach
Tottenham, currently fifth in the league, is grappling with a lack of ruthlessness, a problem highlighted by their failure to capitalize on leads in recent matches. Ange Postecoglou’s side has shown promise but needs to address defensive lapses and capitalise on scoring opportunities. Their high ball possession rate (60.2%) and average of 16.1 shots per game indicate an attacking mindset, but converting these into wins remains a challenge.
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Newcastle United’s Road Performance and Strategy
Newcastle, placed seventh, faces its challenges, particularly in away games. Despite their offensive prowess, their defensive record on the road raises concerns. The team’s reliance on counter-attacks and a 54.2% ball possession rate suggest a balanced approach, focusing on both attack and defence.
Key Players and Match Decisiveness
The match could pivot on the performances of key players like Tottenham’s Heung-min Son and Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier. Son’s goal-scoring ability (9 goals this season) could prove crucial, while Trippier’s defensive skills and assists (7 assists) could be vital for Newcastle.
Areas of the Field Where the Match Could Be Decided
The game could be decided in midfield, where both teams’ ability to control the game and create chances will be critical. The duel between Tottenham’s midfield dynamo and Newcastle’s creative forces like Bruno Guimarães could be pivotal.
Gameplay Prediction Based on Current Form
Expect an open game with both teams looking to attack, leading to chances at both ends. Tottenham’s home advantage might give them a slight edge in controlling the pace of the game.
Improvement Suggestions
For Tottenham, tightening up their defence and capitalising on scoring opportunities is key. Newcastle needs to maintain their attacking flair while shoring up their away defence.
The Pros and Cons of Both Teams’ Strategies
Tottenham’s attacking approach is their strength, but it leaves them vulnerable at the back. Newcastle’s balanced approach is commendable, but they need to be more clinical in away matches.
Critique of Management
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham has shown flair but lacks consistency, a point of criticism. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle has been impressive, particularly against top teams, showcasing his tactical acumen.
Expected Line-Ups
- Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Davies, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Lo Celso, Richarlison; Son
- Newcastle United: Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Tactical Analysis: Deep Dive
In the high-stakes game between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, a deep dive into their strategies, key player performances, and managerial impact reveals a tapestry of tactical nuances and individual brilliance. Let’s dissect the components of this upcoming Premier League showdown.
Offensive and Defensive Strategies
Tottenham Hotspur:
- Offensive Tactics: Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have shown an inclination towards fast-paced, attacking football. They often rely on the creativity and speed of Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski to disrupt opposition defences. However, recent matches have exposed a critical flaw – a lack of clinical finishing despite creating numerous chances.
- Defensive Approach: Defensively, Spurs have been less than solid. Their tendency to concede late goals, as seen against West Ham, points to a vulnerability under pressure, particularly in the latter stages of games. The defensive coordination between Cristian Romero and the midfield pivot, often Bissouma or Sarr, needs tightening to avoid last-minute lapses.
Newcastle United:
- Offensive Play: Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have been a revelation, with a more fluid and dynamic attacking style. The presence of players like Miguel Almirón and Alexander Isak adds depth and versatility to their forward line. They have been particularly effective on the counter-attack, exploiting spaces left by opponents.
- Defensive Strategy: In defence, Newcastle have shown resilience, but their recent 3-0 defeat to Everton highlighted issues when key players, like first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, are absent. The Magpies need to maintain defensive solidity, especially in away games, to counteract their offensive risks.
Key Players’ Performances
- Tottenham: Son Heung-min remains the linchpin in Spurs’ attack, his pace and finishing a constant threat. However, the recent injury scare and overall team form have somewhat dimmed his impact. Defensively, Romero’s role is crucial but needs more consistency.
- Newcastle: For the Magpies, Almirón’s recent performances have been a standout, providing pace and ingenuity in attack. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s role as Pope’s replacement will be critical in maintaining defensive stability.
Managerial Impact
- Postecoglou’s Dilemma: Despite a promising start, Postecoglou’s tenure is now marked by a series of underwhelming performances. His insistence on an attacking brand of football is admirable but needs to be balanced with a pragmatic approach, especially in games where Spurs take the lead.
- Howe’s Resilience: Eddie Howe, conversely, has instilled a fighting spirit in Newcastle. His ability to adapt tactics based on available personnel and the opponent’s style has been commendable. However, he faces a challenge in managing the team’s form away from home.
Expected Goals Analysis
- Tottenham’s expected goals (xG) statistics reflect their ability to create chances but also their inefficiency in converting them. Son and Kulusevski are key in this aspect.
- Newcastle’s xG is boosted by their effective counter-attacks, with Almirón and Isak being pivotal. However, their defensive xG against suggests vulnerability at the back, especially in away fixtures.
Tactical Comparison and Success
- Tottenham: Their approach is more direct and aggressive offensively but lacks defensive cohesion. Son’s and Kulusevski’s performances are critical, but the team often appears disjointed, especially when under pressure.
- Newcastle: Boasts a more balanced approach, with effective transitions between defence and attack. Their success lies in a collective performance rather than reliance on individual brilliance.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Tottenham: Need to focus on maintaining defensive solidity throughout the match and improving their conversion rate in front of goal.
- Newcastle: Must find consistency in away games and address defensive gaps that leave them susceptible to counter-attacks.
Pros and Cons of Strategies
- Tottenham: Pro – High attacking output; Con – Defensive frailties late in games.
- Newcastle: Pro – Balanced and adaptable approach; Con – Struggles with consistency, especially in defence.
Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses
- Postecoglou: His attacking mindset is admirable but needs to be more adaptable and defensively astute. The criticism lies in his apparent inability to rectify recurring defensive issues.
- Howe: Praised for his tactical flexibility and team morale boosting, yet his away game strategies sometimes lack the necessary defensive rigidity.
Predictions and Betting Tips
- Match Outcome – Draw: Tottenham Hotspur, despite their home advantage, are struggling to convert leads into victories, as evidenced by their recent history of losing leads. Newcastle United, on the other hand, has shown resilience, especially against top-tier teams. Given these dynamics, a draw is a plausible outcome, reflecting the balanced strengths of both sides.
- Correct Score Prediction – Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle: Tottenham’s attacking prowess, led by Heung-min Son, and their tendency to score in every game this season, points towards them finding the net. However, their defensive vulnerabilities could allow Newcastle to score as well.
- Goalscorer Prediction – Heung-min Son: Son’s impressive goal tally this season, combined with Tottenham’s attacking approach, makes him a prime candidate to score. His ability to find spaces and take shots in crucial moments enhances the likelihood of him scoring in this encounter.
- Corner Prediction – Tottenham to Edge Out: Tottenham’s aggressive attacking strategy, which often results in a higher number of corners, suggests they might have an edge in this aspect. The game is likely to be rich in corners, with an expected total of 10-12 corners for both teams.
- Shot on Target Prediction – Heung-min Son: Son’s track record and positioning make him likely to have several shots on target. His role as a forward in a team that creates numerous scoring opportunities increases the chances of this prediction coming true.
- Yellow Card Prediction – Yves Bissouma: Bissouma’s role in midfield, where tackles and physical challenges are frequent, coupled with his history of bookings this season, makes him a probable candidate to receive a yellow card during the match.
- Assist Prediction – Kieran Trippier: Trippier’s ability to create chances, especially from set-pieces, and his record of assists this season make him a strong contender to contribute an assist in this game. His crosses and free-kick deliveries are critical elements of Newcastle’s attacking play.
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