Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has given his opinion ahead of this evening’s Premier League encounter between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
With three games remaining this season, Jose Mourinho’s side will be looking to secure all nine points to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the Europa League.
No Premier League team has won more games after conceding the first goal this season than Tottenham Hotspur (4), with their 2-1 win against Arsenal last time out the fourth such occasion this term.
They take on a Magpies side who have lost just three of their 17 home games in the Premier League this season, but come into the match without a win in their last three top flight fixtures.
Nicholas has raised questions about the shape of the Spurs side and believes they have a lot of work to do defensively which will see them drop two points at St James’ Park.
He told Sky Sports: “It was a great result for Tottenham, I am not denying them that. They may not have deserved it, but it was certainly not a masterclass. Arsenal got slack and let them off the hook.
“Tottenham are just trying to get through it at the minute. There is no rhythm or fluency. At the back Jose Mourinho has chopped and changed it. Toby Alderweireld comes in like I said and he scores the winner against us!
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“Their shape is questionable though and looking at the formation, is he going to get the shape he wants with these players? Lucas Moura will not fit into it, nor will Heung-Min Son, and Harry Kane seems to find it difficult too. Giovani Lo Celso has looked decent but defensively Spurs are a long way off.
“Newcastle have run out of legs a little bit. They lost to Watford after going ahead and giving two penalties away. Newcastle are still going to be awkward for Tottenham, who will look to stay in the mix for Europe.
“Jose was brought in to make the Champions League, and this team has a lot to do still. There are issues at Spurs, there’s tension and a lack of positivity and for that reason I see Newcastle earning a point.
“Prediction: 1-1.”
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