Tottenham (A): Pre-match thoughts, team news & predicted line-ups

by Olly Hawkins · Published 9 May 2018, 01:02

It’s not quite how we planned our big trip to Wembley, but tonight sees us travel to the capital to take on a Spurs side fighting to keep a hold of their spot in the top four.

They’re under pressure and could see their Champions League hopes crash and burn if we pull off a surprise result, however it’s going to take a vastly improved performance if we’re to come away with anything.

We were half asleep during the first-half of Saturday’s defeat at Watford and although we woke up in the second half and very nearly nicked a point, it was another display that suggested we have one eye on our summer holiday’s after our safety’s been secured.

That being said, we still have a job to do in the final two games. Three defeats on the bounce has put our place in the top 10 under serious threat, so with Palace, Bournemouth and Watford all breathing down our neck, I’m hoping we give it a proper go tonight.

Staying up was the aim, so our season will be seen as a success even if we go on to lose our final two fixtures – although we are in danger of allowing it to totally fizzle out if we fail to turn up once again.

Preferred XI

Rafa made changes over the weekend, but there were a few who failed to grasp their big chance, so I can see us returning to our tried and trusted side for this one.

I can't see it happening, but here’s the side I’d like to see Rafa try out tonight:

Murphy and Manquillo were poor on Saturday so I see Ritchie and Yedlin returning. Merino looked bright when he came on so I'd like to see him start, however it'd be a risk to break up the strong partnership Shelvey and Diame have formed in a tough game like this.

With that in mind, I'd take Gayle out (a player offering next to nothing at the minute), push Perez up top (he looks great in front of goal but poor as a 'creative force') and slot Merino in just ahead of Shelvey and Diame.

Predicted NUFC XI – (4-2-3-1) – Dubravka– Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy – Gayle.

The Opposition

Aside from the obvious (Kane, Eriksen, Alli, Son), here’s a few players I'll have my eye on tomorrow:

Davinson Sanchez - An outstanding athlete and highly impressive centre-back on his day, but he's quite erratic when put under pressure. Capable of making a big mistake if he's put under enough pressure (you know what to do Ritchie, Gayle, Diame, Perez..)

Huge Lloris - Has been criticised by several Spurs fans recently after a few too many errors. Testing him early doors could be a wise move to make the Wembley crowd even more tense.

Moussa Sissoko - He could start given midfield options Dembele, Dier and Winks have all been ruled out. We know what he's like. Limit his space on the ball and he'll struggle to do much more than make 5-yard passes.

Predicted Spurs XI – (3-4-2-1) – Lloris – Sanchez, Alderweireld, Vertonghen - Trippier, Wanyama, Eriksen, Davies - Alli, Son - Kane.

For an inside look into tonight’s opponents, take a look at the latest edition of the ‘Opposition Opinion’. Another good insight into this weekend’s opponents.

Form

Newcastle – 10th (41 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 2 / Drawn: 0 / Lost: 3

Tottenham – 4th (71 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 2 / Drawn: 1 / Lost: 2

Team news

Atsu and Clark have been ruled out of this one once again, with the former set to miss the final two games of the season. Slimani has returned to Leicester after being handed a three-game ban, so he won't be in the squad.

Eric Dier is suffering from illness and will miss out, but Jan Vertonghen is available despite coming off injured late on during Saturday's late defeat at West Brom.

Midfield maestro Mousa Dembele is out, as is right-back Serge Aurier and midfielder Harry Winks. (Via BBC)

Match Prediction

Unfortunately, it feels like we've switched off for the season. Securing a top 10 finish and pulling off a shock win at Wembley are our two main motivators tonight, but Tottenham's urge to secure Champions League football could trump that in this one.

I think we'll be a little more switched on than we were on Saturday (we'll have to be!), but I see Spurs having too much for this in this one - especially when they'll be out to avenge their late defeat to West Brom at the weekend.

I fancy us to score and aim to unsettle them from the off, but the gulf in class in the final third makes me believe they'll comfortably outscore us.

Prediction: Spurs 3-1 Newcastle

Howay the lads!