Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United: Paul Merson Predicts Shocking Result as Teams Clash at St James’ Park
As Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United prepare for their Premier League clash at St James’ Park this Sunday, both teams are looking to build on their strong starts to the season. With four points each from their opening two matches, this fixture promises to be a compelling contest with significant implications for their ambitions of a top-four finish.
Tottenham Hotspur, under the management of Ange Postecoglou, started their season with a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Leicester City. However, they bounced back impressively with a commanding 4-0 victory over Everton last weekend. The win was a statement of intent, showcasing Tottenham’s attacking prowess and their capability to dominate matches. Despite this, there are concerns about their away form, which has led Paul Merson to predict a shock result in this upcoming fixture.
On the other side, Newcastle United, managed by Eddie Howe, began their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton, despite being reduced to ten men. Last weekend, they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, a result that saw them drop points at home but still maintain an unbeaten start. Newcastle’s performances have been solid, and they are keen to leverage their home advantage in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Paul Merson’s Prediction
Paul Merson, the Arsenal legend and current pundit, has shared his views on the upcoming match, predicting a surprising outcome. Merson acknowledged Tottenham’s impressive 4-0 win against Everton but expressed reservations about their ability to perform away from home. In his column for Sportskeeda, Merson suggested that Newcastle would capitalize on Tottenham’s vulnerabilities and secure a victory in front of their passionate home crowd.
“Tottenham had a brilliant result when they beat Everton 4-0 last weekend. But I’m backing Newcastle to win this one,” Merson wrote. “This is a real test for Spurs, especially considering they’re playing away from home. In the past, I’ve seen Tottenham getting destroyed on the road in this particular fixture, so it’s a big test for them psychologically as well.”
Merson highlighted Tottenham’s struggles in the second half of their match against Leicester City as a concern. He also emphasized the impact of the electrifying atmosphere at St James’ Park, which he believes will be a significant factor in Newcastle’s favor. According to Merson, the Newcastle fans will create a challenging environment for Spurs, potentially tipping the scales in the Magpies’ favor.
“The fans at St James’ Park will definitely be up for this game. It’ll be a different atmosphere there on Sunday. Tottenham have a lot to lose here and if they come out of this test unscathed, it’ll be a huge positive for them. That second-half performance against Leicester did not really impress me and that is exactly why I feel Newcastle could beat them in this clash.”
Injury Concerns for Both Sides
Both teams have injury concerns that could impact their performances in this crucial fixture. For Tottenham, the absence of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison is a notable setback. However, the potential return of Rodrigo Bentancur could provide a boost to Postecoglou’s squad. Bentancur’s return could offer additional options in midfield and help address some of the issues Tottenham have faced in their recent matches.
Newcastle United will also be dealing with injury concerns. Callum Wilson will miss the match, which could impact their attacking options. Lewis Miley is also sidelined, and Joe Willock faces a race against time to prove his fitness after sustaining an injury in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup win against Nottingham Forest. The return of Sandro Tonali, following his ten-month suspension, is expected to be a significant boost for Newcastle. Tonali’s presence in midfield could provide additional stability and creativity for Howe’s side.
Tactical Battle and Key Players
The tactical battle between Postecoglou and Howe will be intriguing. Tottenham’s attacking style, combined with their recent high-scoring performance, will face off against Newcastle’s solid defensive setup and counter-attacking prowess. Spurs’ ability to break down Newcastle’s defense and exploit any gaps will be crucial, while Newcastle’s approach will likely focus on capitalizing on set-pieces and utilizing their home advantage.
Key players for both sides will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the match. For Tottenham, Son Heung-min’s creativity and finishing ability will be essential in breaking down Newcastle’s defense. Additionally, James Maddison’s playmaking skills could be vital in unlocking Newcastle’s backline. On the other hand, Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin, if fit, could provide the flair and attacking threat necessary to challenge Tottenham’s defense. Tonali’s return could also have a significant impact, as he provides both defensive cover and an attacking outlet from midfield.
So
As Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United face off at St James’ Park, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exhilarating encounter. With both teams having shown strong performances early in the season, this match is crucial for their aspirations of securing a top-four finish. Paul Merson’s prediction of a Newcastle victory adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture, highlighting the potential for a dramatic and memorable clash.
With injury concerns affecting both sides and the high stakes of the match, this fixture will be a true test of both teams’ resilience and quality. As the Premier League continues to deliver exciting football, this game is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
