Newcastle United are looking to get back to winning form in the Premier League when they face Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on Sunday. The Magpies are coming on the back of a 7-0 win over Morecambe in the EFL Cup but lost their last league game to Brighton & Hove Albion. However, things could be tricky against an in-form Spurs side.
Predicted Newcastle United Lineup Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
Steve Bruce is missing several players through injury including goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Kevin Darlow has served as his deputy in goal and will continue to do so this weekend.
At right-back, Emil Krafth is expected to make way for Javier Manquillo as Bruce looks to revert the changes he made in the cup game against Morecambe. Jamal Lewis remains a doubt after picking up a knock against Brighton, so we might see Matt Ritchie starting at left-back.
Jamaal Lascelles was one of the few starters to feature in midweek. The defender is a guaranteed starter in this game, as well, though he will now partner Federico Fernandez, at the heart of Newcastle United’s four-man backline.
Ciaran Clark is a doubt after picking up a knock in midweek while the likes of Paul Dummett and Fabian Schar are likely unavailable.
Midfield
In midfield, manager Steve Bruce is more than expected to recall Jonjo Shelvey. The ex-Liverpool starlet was rested in midweek, which paved the way for Sean Longstaff to form the double-pivot alongside Isaac Hayden.
However, that role will now be occupied by Shelvey, whose creativity and work-rate could be important against Tottenham’s dynamic press this weekend.
Elsewhere, as Bruce once again looks to deploy a 4-4-2, we can expect Jeff Hendrick to return to the starting lineup. He is set to feature as the right-sided midfielder, with Miguel Almiron likely to get the nod ahead of Ryan Fraser on the opposite flank.
Star player Allan Saint-Maximin is a doubt after a knock last weekend, which could serve as a massive blow for the Magpies.
Attack
Callum Wilson is definitely set to return to the starting lineup after featuring among the substitutes’ bench against Morecambe. The ex-Bournemouth striker is expected to lead the Newcastle United attack, alongside Andy Carroll.
The ageing forward has had a bright start to the season so far and should get the nod ahead of Joelinton in the two-man frontline.
