Tottenham Hotspur travel to St. James’ Park on Sunday as they lock horns with Newcastle United. It will be a crucial game for the Lilywhites, who may have to prioritise the Premier League after their shock eliminating from the Europa League at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb. Spurs have secured four wins in their last five matches, and another victory this weekend could help them maintain pressure on West Ham and Chelsea in the race for the top 4.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Defence
Jose Mourinho has an abundance of options in the defensive unit, but barely any of them have managed to establish himself as a first-team regular. Also, the Portuguese tactician could face a selection dilemma with the experienced Toby Alderwiereld returning from international duty after having played all of the three matches for Belgium.
Therefore, the veteran centre-back may demand a breather, which should pave the way for Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez to operate at centre-back for Spurs.
Elsewhere, Mourinho may prefer Japhet Tanganga over the inconsistent right-back duo of Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty, while Sergio Reguilon’s offensive prowess should give him the edge over Ben Davies on the opposite flank.
Hugo Lloris should retain his place in goal after helping France secure seven points from three matches during the international break.
Midfield
Mourinho has to be careful with his team selection in midfield in light of the international break. Tanguy Ndombele remains a guaranteed starter as he was not involved in France’s last game against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, on the other hand, did star in the 4-0 win over Austria, so he remains a doubt. As such, Harry Winks may be handed a rare call-up in the double-pivot alongside Ndombele.
Giovani Lo Celso, meanwhile, should serve as a potential alternative, either in the number eight role for Ndombele or in the number ten role, where Lucas Moura remains a guaranteed starter for now.
Attack
Son Heung-Min remains a doubt for Tottenham Hotspur as he was struggling with an injury prior to the start of the international break. Mourinho, though, did confirm previously that the South Korean international was going to return to full fitness.
As such, we expect both Son and Gareth Bale to operate out wide, hoping to provide the support for Harry Kane or vice versa, as the English international has become a creator-in-chief for Spurs this season.
