Sky Sports reporter predicts how Spurs will get on against Newcastle

Sky Sports journalist, Lewis Jones, believes that Newcastle United could surprise Tottenham on Sunday by playing on the front foot and creating a lot of chances.

Tottenham find themselves three points short of fourth-placed Chelsea going into the weekend and will look at the game against Newcastle as a ‘must win’ given the form that the Magpies have been in recently.

Although Steve Bruce’s men are two points clear of the drop zone at present, several pundits have claimed that the club are destined to go down this season.

However, Jones believes that Newcastle can be a dangerous side when they have Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson up front.

The journalist pointed out that the stats suggest that Bruce’s men are playing a lot more on the front foot recently and he believes that they could have joy going forward against Tottenham if Jose Mourinho’s men decide to soak up pressure.

When asked to predict the result of the clash at St James’ Park, Jones told Sky Sports: “Many people have relegated Newcastle already, prematurely in my mind.

“The Magpies head into the fixture two points clear of Fulham but know they will end the weekend in the bottom three if they fail to beat Tottenham and the Cottagers beat Aston Villa.

“They are bang in trouble, of course, but with key attackers returning to fitness they possess a team capable of picking up points in this league. All things considered, those looking to back Tottenham at odds-on should look elsewhere.

“With Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson on the pitch since Steve Bruce decided to play a higher-tempo game which coincided with Graeme Jones joining the club, Newcastle have looked a dangerous attacking outfit.

“In those 296 minutes, Bruce’s men scored seven goals, beaten both Everton and Southampton and were very unfortunate to lose to both Crystal Palace and Leeds.

“But it’s their shot data that not only backs up those strong performances and results but also opens the opportunity to play a strong betting angle when Spurs visit.

“With Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Wilson on the pitch, Newcastle are averaging a whopping 15.6 shots at goal per 90 minutes – a huge increase on their overall average which is 10.2 per 90 minutes since Bruce took the job.

“Jose Mourinho’s team are happy to soak up pressure and invite shots on their goal, even against bottom-half teams, conceding 16 vs Crystal Palace and 15 against Fulham, Sheffield United and Southampton.”

Jones predicted that the score would finish 1-1.

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham are unlikely to look to play on the counter against Newcastle as I believe Mourinho will ask his players to press high up the pitch. I would not be surprised if the Spurs boss handed Vinicius another start alongside Kane after the Brazilian’s performance at Villa Park. However, we do have to wary of the pace that Newcastle have on the counter.

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