Tottenham star is already one yellow card away from suspension this season

Oliver Skipp will have to walk a tightrope if he starts for Tottenham against Newcastle United as the midfielder has racked up four yellow cards already this season.

Tottenham’s win over Aston Villa ahead of the international break came as a much-needed boost for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men on the back of three straight Premier League losses against Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Lilywhites will be hoping to build on that result when they travel to St James’ Park on Sunday but they will expect a tough test against a Magpies side who have been boosted by the news of the recent Saudi takeover.

Spurs could be without the likes of Davinson Sanchez, Emerson Royal, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, who travelled to South America during the international break.

Another player who Nuno might think twice about starting is Skipp, with the 21-year-old having notched up four bookings so far this season.

If the midfielder is shown another caution on Sunday, he will be suspended for the London derby against West Ham United on October 24.

However, that is only the first hurdle for young Skipp, as suspension rules run throughout the entire season.

Players are handed a one-match ban if they pick up five yellows before the 19 game mark. A two-match ban comes if the player picks up 10 yellow cards before game 32. That turns to a three-match ban if the yellow card count is 15 by the end of the season.

Finally, if Skipp picked up 20 bookings in a single season, the punishment would be determined by the regulatory commission.

Spurs Web Opinion

It will be a big blow if Skipp picks up a yellow against Newcastle and is suspended for the clash against West Ham, especially considering that the Hammers could be our direct rivals this season.

However, Nuno has no choice but to start to Skipp on Sunday and I doubt if the Spurs boss will tell the youngster to be cautious of a booking as he would want the midfielder to play his natural game, which involves lots of aggressive challenges.

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