Tottenham Hotspur are facing off against Newcastle United for their 37th game of the Premier League season at Wembley on Wednesday evening. An all-important tie for the hosts but not so much for Rafael Benitez’s side. The Magpies have already secured their place in the top-flight with an impressive run over the past couple months.
Currently, Newcastle United sits on the 10th spot of the points table, 8 points clear of the relegation zone. Tottenham, on the other hand, are in danger of losing their 4th spot to Chelsea in the coming weeks. The Blues are right on their tail with a 2-point deficit to make up for in the last 2 games of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have enjoyed a somewhat optimistic season in all major competitions but have not been successful in collecting silverware. Holding onto that UEFA Champions League qualification spot is the only way of extracting any amount of success out of this campaign.
While the North London side has improved in terms of their European and domestic performances, it has definitely been another season of 11th-hour disappointments. Be it the 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup Semis or the Round of 16 aggregate defeat to Juventus in the Champions League, the 2017/18 season has been, in some instances, forgettable for the Spurs fans.
It is a must-win for Pochettino and his men against a side who has done remarkably well against top-six opponents in recent times. Newcastle managed to beat Manchester United earlier in year 1-0 at St James’ Park and held Arsenal to a 2-1 defeat mid-April.
Benitez’s defensive setup will be hard to beat and here is how Pochettino might field his men to collect maximum points.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Like usual, Hugo Lloris’ presence is anticipated in the goalkeeping position. The Frenchman might get shielded by the defensive quartet of Kevin Trippier, Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweirald and Ben Davies.
Jan Vertonghen remains concerned with injury.
Danny Rose and Serge Aurier’s involvement might be from the substitute benches.
Midfield
Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama to matchup against Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame in the centre of the park.
Dele Alli might appear in front of the duo while Christian Eriksen creates the attacking force from the right.
Heung-min Son should get the nod for the left wing position.
Attack
Harry Kane might start in the number nine role with Fernando Llorente kept on the bench as backup.
