In true international break fashion, it feels like an absolute age since we last played – doesn’t it?!
After previously going on a NINE-game unbeaten run, the 17-day gap and warm-weather training camp in Dubai probably came at a good time after we looked a little laboured and flat in our last game; a 1-0 defeat to Everton’s 10-men at Goodison Park.
Next up, yet another away day sees us take on a resurgent Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They’ve had a patchy season, but have actually won five of their last seven games, scoring 19 goals in that time and seeing Harry Kane get back to his brilliant best in the process.
That said, they remain a soft touch defensively under Antonio Conte, giving us reason to believe we can come away from London with another good result, with us yet to taste defeat at their new stadium.
We come into this closer to the top 10 (five points away) than the relegation zone (nine points clear), but Burnley play twice over the next few days and could close the gap between themselves and those clear of the bottom three, meaning our focus on survival must be maintained as we enter the final stretch.
Team news
Fabian Schar (adductor) and Martin Dubravka (illness) both returned early from international duty, but both have been passed fit for selection after training on Tyneside.
Jonjo Shelvey is back in contention after overcoming a period of illness, while Allan Saint-Maximin is finally ready to start again after working on his fitness levels in Dubai.
Kieran Trippier is edging closer to a return from a broken foot, however Callum Wilson won’t be back anytime soon based on Eddie Howe’s comments in Friday’s press conference.
Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon have both been ruled out for Spurs, however Ben Davies has been passed fit to play despite pulling out of the Wales squad.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett – Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
Martin Dubravka – Seems to be fine after leaving the Slovakia camp early through illness last week and may need to be at his best to keep the likes of Kane and Son at bay!
Javier Manquillo – Unlike Krafth, who has been away with Sweden, he’s been training with the squad over the past few weeks, meaning he could have the edge here. His decent pace could also mean he’s better suited to come up against Son.
Fabian Schar – Appears to be OK, with Howe confirming he’s trained since returning from a spell with the Swiss national team. Lascelles is ready to step in if needed, though. In fact, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if we opted for a back three (as we did at Chelsea).
Dan Burn – Deservedly voted our player of the month for March, but will be looking to recover from curel mistakes that cost us in each of our last two games.
Matt Targett – Did very little wrong in defeats at Everton and Chelsea, defending well and delivering some brilliant balls into the box from open play and set pieces.
Joe Willock – With Bruno Guimaraes not long returning from a spell in South America with Brazil, I wouldn’t be surprised if Willock is handed another start here.
Jonjo Shelvey – Fit again after missing our last few games through illness, so should return to our XI after being declared ready to return by Howe.
Joelinton – One of the first names on the team sheet these days and will have benefited from the rest over the past few weeks after managing an ongoing groin issue.
Ryan Fraser – His energy will be needed against Reguilon and Son, with both likely to bomb on down Spurs’ left. His ability to put good balls into the box for Wood will also be a weapon.
Allan Saint-Maximin – Howe may feel like this isn’t the game to start ASM given how Tottenham’s marauding full-backs get forward, however he is our biggest threat and could expose the gaps they leave at the other end. Also, he’ll only get back to full match fitness with starts…
Chris Wood – Scored five goals over the break and became New Zealand’s all time top scorer in the process, giving him a confidence boost – even if he’ll have a clocked up a fair few air miles!
Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris – Romero, Dier, Davies – Doherty, Bentancur, Højbjerg, Reguilon – Kulusevski, Son – Kane.
Match prediction
Last time we came back from a warm-weather training camp, we put together a six-game unbeaten run featuring five wins and a string of superb displays, so we’ll have to hope Dubai has had a similar impact to Saudi!
Tottenham have had a lot of players away on international duty, so won’t have been able to prepare quite as well as Eddie Howe’s Mags, giving us the edge in that respect.
It’s hard to be confident against a Conte side featuring Kane and Son, but I’ve got a sneaky feeling we’ll come away with a point here!
Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle
I was leaning towards Bruno starting but then I checked on the flights from La Paz, Bolivia to London. 13 Hrs and he would still have to get to Newcastle. That’s some serious jetlag even if he is in business class or even a private jet where you are more likely to get some sleep.
I now reckon it would be best to save Bruno for our upcoming home games and have him on the bench at Spurs. Olly’s team seems like it will be right.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I was just thinking about it – I wonder if they would put on a private jet. Most of the Brasil players are based in Europe so it would make sense. Off the top of my head there is Bruno, Emerson, Fred, Richarlison, Neymar, Paqueta, Fermino, Fabhinho and many more.
It would make sense to get a private jet to London.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I always forget Fred is Brazilian. Until about the last 10 games you would have said Joelinton was the worst Brazilian. I think he has passed on that crown to Fred.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I was going through “NewsNow”. Why don’t most blogs and papers ever put the names of players in their headlines? It is always stuff like:
– 23 year-old set for NUFC move in the summer.
– 75k a week La Liga prospect set to leave for NUFC.
– 6 foot 6 striker identified by NUFC recruitment team.
– NUFC player offered new 2 year contract (it turns out it is some U23 player).
I dont really get it!!! I would be much more likely to read something if it wasnt so obscure. Something like:
– Dwight Gayle says he is leaving in the summer.
– Callum Wilson thinks he will be out for the rest of the season.
– Steve Bruce admits him and the other Steves are totally useless.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
There must be some algorithm that says if you dont put the player’s name in the headline you will get more clicks!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I just realised our next 3 games are on Sky & the Liverpool game is on BT sports – 4 of our last 9 on TV.
But looking through our last 9 games – points are going to be hard to come by. Norwich & Burnley you’d think would be 6 points – it they will be playing for survival.
City & Liverpool are playing for the title & Spurs & Arsenal are fighting it out for 4th.
Fortunately I think we are safe already, but we could do with a few more to be sure – and the better the end of our season, the more likely we are to convince players to join us in the summer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If I really wanted to splash the cash and put two fingers up at everyone, I’d buy 10 players, including 3or four Frees
Denayer, Zagadou both CB’s and Pepelu back up DM and possibly Lingard.
The problem is do we trust Lewis at LB if not we need two new LBs Targett and Hickey £30m the pair
We already have a decent midfield, but with Pepelu as backup DM We could add Paqueta for £35m as AM.
Front three of Nunez, ASM and Diaby only costs another £90m
With Lingard or Sarr for £25m as squad players
The real choice is Oblak £50m or Henderson Loan
It’s great fun when it’s not your money
PremAndUp(Quote)
I’ve watched Watford a few times now & know we’ve been linked with Sarr (who have we not been linked to???), but I really like Cucho Hernandez up front for Watford – he reminds me a bit of Ryan Fraser, but with the South American touch to his game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Watford losing to Liverpool on 25 mins. Burnley play City later so you have to think we will still be 9 points clear of relegation by kick-off tomorrow.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Prem – go on them mate, they have changed it so you can name 9 subs next season – so in an ideal world, what’s your 20 players (starting 11 with you 9 subs)
Sharpy17(Quote)
Howe has said we are in talks to extend the contracts of Longstaff and Dummett as he wants to keep the group together. What would you do if you were them knowing that Targett will be signed and we will get another attacking midfielder? They will be on the bench most weeks.
I reckon we will buy 3 starters plus Targett. Another CB, attacking midfielder and of course a striker. We can add a couple of others for squad depth – definitely a keeper as Darlow will be gone and Woodman cannot get a game in The Championship.
My guess is 6 signings and the budget will depend on how many free agents we get. But as I have mentioned before they are not really “free” coz you have to pay huge agent’s fees and signing bonuses.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
One change from above
Starters
Oblak; Hickey, Romagnoli, Denayer, Trippier; JoeLinton, Bruno, Paqueta; ASM, Nunez, Diaby
Bench
Dubravka; Manquillo, Burn, Pepelu, Shelvey, Willock, Fraser, Sarr, Wilson
Squad
Darlow, Targett, Schar, Wood, Anderson and various U23s
I’ve probably forgotten someone
PremAndUp(Quote)
Sharpy: yer man Gomez is having a good game at right back. I thought he was a centre back?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
That’s a Champions League squad. Hope we go for it as I dont think the Saudis will be wasting much time as all of the journos and Talkshyte pundits assume.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
He can cover both mate. He’s a quality player & would be a dead cert for England if it weren’t for injuries.
Sharpy17(Quote)
yes mate i like him very much as a striker,ive always liked Sarr a lot too
icedog(Quote)
To clarify. The journos and Talkshyte pundits all think we will build slowly and will be looking for top 8. I think Europa League is the minimum goal next year.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Prem – I can’t argue against any of them mate. All quality players – it’s just a matter of preference really isn’t it.
I agree Oblak – if not Henderson.
Trippier – yes.
Dreynar – yes.
I’d favour Botman or Lenglet, but Rom is quality & I wouldn’t be disappointed.
I’d go Targett in the 11 but want Hickey in so fine with that.
I love that midfield. I was nailed on Kamara, but the idea of Bruno and Paq is really exciting- don’t think it would happen but we can dream.
Forwards – ASM is in. I think Nunez looks class & like Osimhen too. I really like Schick as well.
Right side my preference would be Dembele, but Diaby looks class too.
Other than that, I’d like to see us get Brennan Johnson from Forest and develop him. He’s still only 20 but looks a real player already.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – he’s a right bullish little g*t isn’t he. He’s got 5 this season but in a better team I reckon he could at least double that I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Liverpool go top 2 points ahead & +7 goals ahead of City – watch City close that goals gap against Burnley now ???♂️?
Sharpy17(Quote)
apart from the last five min Watford never gave up imo they are a better team Everton at the moment
icedog(Quote)
So VAR can spot an obvious penalty for Liverpool but ignored the same when Murphy was dragged down for us!!! There is just no consistency. Well, actually there is. If you are in the top 6 you will get the call, the rest, it is touch and go unless you are playing the top 6, in which case you will NOT get the call.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Watford look an OK team but they cannot defend set pieces and their forwards are tricky but wasteful. If they go down, they will come straight back up and probably challenge for highest ever points total in The Championship.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Oh, and the irony for Sissoko. He left NUFC saying he wanted to play in The Champions League. If Watford go down he will be playing in THE CHAMPIOSHIP 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
All the usual suspect pundits are predicting a loss. Lawro thinks it will be due to complacency with us thinking we are safe. Have you ever watched Eddie Howe on a training pitch or even a press conference? He doesnt do complacency!!!!! If we lose it will most likely because Spurs have 2 world class forwards – Kane and Son.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Mitro has 36 goals in The Championship.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It looks like Rafa wasnt a very good judge of strikers with Mitro doing a good job and Toney having 11 goals in 25 PL games. Some are penalties, but he usually wins the penalty.
I never really criticized Rafa but I also didnt understand the over-the-top love for him either. He took a very good squad down and he had plenty of time to save us. But, the past is the past no matter how some fans even now want him back 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – agreed, but not only that he replaced them with players of lesser quality – and that’s just Mitro & Toney. There’s plenty of other players you could add to the list – Mbemba playing regular CL footy with Porto replaced with Grant Hanley & Mbabu replaced with Gamez are 2 others that immediately spring to mind.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It will be a tough game tomorrow. Hope we can get something.
Brentford 4-1 up away at Chelsea! ???. I think we wasted a golden opportunity against Everton. Still gutted about about throwing that one away. We could’ve been very safe with a point against Chelsea and 3 vs the toffees. ??.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
My god Chelsea got mullered today. Brentford were excellent and their players wanted it so much more than the Chelsea lot today.
I’m sure they will try to off field stuff, but I’m not buying that at all. That takes away from Brentford imo.
I’m pleased for Brentford coz they look pretty safe now too & deserve to stay in the league imo. They are a well ran club & their manager has built a really good team there – no real superstars (pre Eriksen) just a bunch of hard working, talented lads – similar to Brighton really.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I wouldn’t risk Bruno from the start tomorrow. On the bench maybe but he’s done a lot of traveling.
It would be the obvious 4-3-3 for me
—————-—-Dubravka ——————-
Manq —– Schar ——Dunk —- Targett
— Willock —- Shelvey — Joelinton —
— Fraser —— Woods —- Maxi ——
Sharpy17(Quote)
Dunk ??
PremAndUp(Quote)
? Burn that’ll be ? nice spot
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well I’ve just watched an awful game between Man Utd & Leicester. Man Utd need so much more than a new manager!!.
If they are the teams we want to be competing with next season I have no concerns – if we recruit right.
Spurs will be a good yard stick game tomorrow – it’s Arsenal who will be the team to catch if they get the right forward in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I might be stating the obvious, but it looks like 3 from the current bottom 4. Everton really need to get something from the David Moyes Derby tomorrow. We are not safe yet but we have a relatively kind run of games after Spurs. 3 home games, then Norwich away.
When everybody was going over the top about West Ham I said their squad was 7th or 8th at best. They are erm… 8th. I dont think Moyes will let them coast against the Blue Bindippers.
I dont begrudge Brentford their win because I really thought they had clawed their way out of it anyway. The other results pretty much went our way.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I have no idea how Man U are where they are. Most of the time I have watched them they have been terrible. You could make a case for replacing all of their players except De Gea, Fernandez and Sancho. Cavani is off, and probably Ronaldo too and who knows what is happening with Greenwood.
I dont really rate Shaw or McGuire as high as the pundits do.
They are the blueprint for us of what NOT to do.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Fred played today and he was in La Paz with Bruno.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Fred started and was on a days less rest. I really dont think the travel is an issue. And for Wood, he was in Doha which is not a bad flight. It is not like he was in New Zealand!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I am getting totally sick of people slating Dan Burn for the Chelsea goal. They all say he lost concentration or lost his man. That was a speculative pass to Havertz and he brought it down beautifully and finished well. Probably 7 out of 10 times even he would miss that chance and if it had fallen to Lukaku he would miss it 9 out of 10.
I would say it was much more great skill from Havertz than a massive mistake from BDB.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Totally agree mate. We were robbed v Chelsea and didn’t see off Everton which really pee’s me off. 6 points dropped there .
KIMTOON(Quote)
Eric – agree mate. We were beaten by a touch of brilliance to be fair. That’s the difference of a top 3 team and the rest really – one half chance and it’s a goal.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – pleased you’re back on. I worried Lewis was back in hospital when you went missing for a few days. Hope he’s ok ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Havertz had an almost identical chance against the Bees today and failed to control it. Long ball, hit in hope and Havertz had 2 men that he got a step on but he failed to control it and lost the ball. He had 2 other much easier chances as well and didnt hit the target.
Well done Brentford though. You cant tell me this off-field stuff is not affecting the Chelsea players now. They even had a protest outside the ground against the bid by the Chicago Cubs owners. The father, who is like 90 years old said some anti-muslim stuff in 2019 and is their target. He is not even part of the bid and has no ownership in the Cubs.
Anyway, how many old buggers have you heard say openly racist or sexist things. They grew up in a different time. No excuse, but I can understand it. Quite a lot have lost a bit of their cognitive functions by then so they have no inner filter.
Anyway, the players have to have seen it and there were also empty spots in the ground because of sanctions against Abramovich.
Tuchel is sounding like it is getting to him now as well.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
ARAMCO – Saudi Arabia oil titan has seen its shares rally by 21.4% since the beginning of 2022. The share capital is valued at $8.6 trillion.
I think PIF got 2% of the shares a few weeks ago so just the $100b worth of shares then…
As for today I think it’s a free hit given Watford lost again. Spurs are capable of throwing a bad performance and if they do we will take advantage.
Think 1-1
Stuart79(Quote)
It would be nice to grab a point if we can. I think we are capable of that. We need to keep Kane and Son quiet (???) if we can do that, we have a chance. Unless of course it’s a Spurs ref … I hope there are no dodgy decisions today.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
It probably an obvious thing to say but the key is the midfield battle today imo. We have to try and stop the ball getting into Kane & Son – that’s the ONLY way to stop them.
We have to press hard and give them no time on the ball – make them make mistakes. Dier & Romero aren’t good CBs and will be sloppy if hassled – so we have to run them down and pester them.
I can live with losing if we’ve made them work for it – high intensity & hard work after a good break hopefully.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hi Sharpy, I was just really busy and no time to pop on, this house and garden are killing me, it’s a total reno project . Flooring goes in Lewis room tomorrow and that’s a second room done as sunroom was rebuilt and that’s finished now too. Bathroom almost finished as well. I haven’t done bad considering I only moved in last may. The garden is the real killer, it’s huge and time consuming
work but it’s slowly coming together albeit at considerable cost . Wish I had kept a video diary of before and after tbh as it would help me realize how much I have actually achieved when it feels like it’s all getting on top of me.
Thanks for thinking of Lewis, he’s still having too many fits for my liking and the neurology guys still haven’t got back to me ! Hopefully he doesn’t go back in anytime soon.
Got to agree with your points re midfield Sharpy, it really is key to stop Son and Kane. Lets hope they have an off day and we get a lucky break like the toffees and Chelsea did against us, oh and an unbiased ref would be nice 😉
KIMTOON(Quote)
Kim – it’s hard work & frustrating at times. We’re done with our house now – done all the big things now really but you could keep going and going if you wanted to couldnt you. Ours wasn’t a reno job like – that must be exhausting at times. But you’re right, take encouragement from how it was to where you are now ??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It is shocking that I will be cheering for West Ham in the David Moyes Derby.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
****… It is the Super-Frank Derby as well. He used to play for West Ham.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Pretty crappy game between 2 pretty **** teams. West Ham have punched over their weight and Everton are just a mess. On squads they are both about 11th or 12th. Everton cant defend though, so that’s why they might go down.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Those tiny little arms couldnt reach for the WHam free kick 🙂 Get In !!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
get in wet spam he he
KIMTOON(Quote)
Everton are so poor, gutted we didn’t take something from that game.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Little arms he he he … cracking free kick mind!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I dont really see what the Scouse Mackems bring. They have a very average team, despite what they have spent. Their fans have been very arrogant recently, especially towards NUFC so relegation for them would be comical.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it blue bindippers. Is that funny? You all think you are funny, but that would make me laugh!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Everton have invested something like £400-500m over the last 3-5yrs … who from their team would you want in our first team?? – I couldn’t say 1 of them if I’m being honest.
The other thing I’m left scratching my head with, is with all their money problems – what was the thinking behind bringing Ali and Van der Beek in?? – they aren’t getting close to the start and will certainly have cost money to bring in.
Watching how they are playing – I wonder how many fans still think Lampard is the saviour??.
I get the clubs in a mess – but Howe came in and improved our play & improved individual players – I don’t see any improvement in Everton at all.
I’ve seen improvements in Watford under Woy & in Leeds under Ted – but not at Everton at all.
Sharpy17(Quote)
gods sake
bloody Toffees
KIMTOON(Quote)
C’mon wet spam
KIMTOON(Quote)
So lucky for the Scouse Mackems.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The problem is with this game, is that West Ham are not that good either. They have flattered to deceive this year.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
get in
KIMTOON(Quote)
As I say that… Bowen scores. Happy Days…
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Another red!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
and now a man sent off 😆 no self control same against us and the game befor
KIMTOON(Quote)
Jimmy Tarbuck, Stan Boardman… your lads are shyte.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
olly got our team right.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
So maxi starts and Bruno on the bench. Decent strong line up for us. Basically the team that got us nine unbeaten. No sign of Miggy.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I think we messed up not signing Jared Bowen. Looking a very good player.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
As is always the case in the build up to a WC – talk of Englands chances of winning it. For me, as long as Pickford is #1 I think we have little to no chance.
I know he has the most experience out of our keepers, but Ramsey has to be in for me. I’d even put Pope in ahead of Pickford.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Everton have their supposed good players back – Dacoure, Calvert-Lewin – and they have still been terrible.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Agreed mate. I can’t believe he doesn’t get closer to the England set up. I think he’s better than Sancho – certainly more consistent.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Everton play at Burnley on Wednesday.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
yep Everton bang in trouble
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy, you were calling for us to sign Bowen ages ago if i remember rightly
KIMTOON(Quote)