Preview for Tottenham v Newcastle
Newcastle will hope to have something to cheer when they conclude their pre-season tour of the Far East against Tottenham on Sunday.
It has been a miserable summer for the Magpies, who have won just one of their warm-up games – a 4-0 drubbing of National League side Carlisle United on July 12 before suffering defeats to Celtic, Arsenal and a K.League XI.
Perhaps more importantly, their attempts to make significant improvements to their squad have not proved fruitful with a succession of players rejecting a move to Tyneside. Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford have all opted to go elsewhere with Anthony Elanga the only major arrival.
There is also the small matter of Alexander Isak’s future.
The Sweden international has been training on his own at former club Real Sociedad having informed the club of his desire to explore a move away.
Reports this morning suggest Liverpool’s opening bid of £110million was rejected with Newcastle looking for £150m if they feel as though they have to cash in.
It certainly hasn’t been the close season the club envisaged when they finished in fifth place last term to secure a place in the Champions League.
Winger Anthony Gordon admits the talk around Isak is not ideal but says there is little the players can do.
He told the Chronicle: “It’s difficult for us, because there’s only so much we can actually do. We don’t actually know a lot. People always think players know the ins and outs, and the reality is we don’t. You guys [journalists] tell us most of the time.
“It’s just noise; there’s not much we can do. That’s a question for the manager, because I think he probably feels it more, or for people higher up at the club. As players, you just have to play. Do what is required of us and do the basics.”
The mood at Tottenham is altogether more positive, particularly after Thursday’s 1-0 win over North London rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong.
Pape Sarr’s stunning goal on the stroke of half-time ensured the Spurs fans can enjoy bragging rights over their near neighbours until at least the first Premier League meeting of the new season in November.
Team News for Tottenham v Newcastle
Spurs boss Thomas Frank is likely to make several alterations after the win against Arsenal and spread the minutes around.
The could mean the likes of Kevin Danso, Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel and local hero Son Heung-min are included.
Newcastle will also change things up with Eddie Howe set to name a stronger XI than that which lost to the K.League XI.
That will mean recalls for Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Fabian Schar.
Park Seung-soo should also be involved in his homeland but Joe Willock will miss out.
Expected line-ups for Tottenham v Newcastle
Tottenham: Vicario; Gray, Danso, Romero, Davies; Bissouma, Bergvall; Johnson, Kudus, Tel; Son
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Miley; Elanga, Barnes, Gordon
How to watch Tottenham v Newcastle: TV and online streams
Tottenham versus Newcastle kicks off at midday UK time on Sunday. It is not being shown on TV but can be streamed on Spursplay and NUFC TV.
Stats for Tottenham v Newcastle
- Newcastle have lost just one of their last six meetings with Tottenham
- Newcastle won both meetings last season 2-1
Prediction for Tottenham v Newcastle
With Spurs set to make several changes, this should be a fairly even contest.
Despite the turmoil going on with the Isak situation, Newcastle still have a strong XI and should pose plenty of problems for Tottenham.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle
