Overview
Tottenham are going through a very disappointing run of form, going 3 consecutive matches without a win in the Premier League. With only 24 points after the first leg, Spurs' chances of competing for a place in the European Cup next season are becoming difficult.
At this point, coach Postecoglou's team needs to return with positive results as soon as possible. However, the storm of injuries has not stopped haunting them. The loss of Vicario, Romero and Van De Ven has made the "Rooster" defense more fragile than ever.
Up front, Son Heung-min is also in a serious slump and is starting to show signs of age. Overall, Postecoglou's team are having problems at both ends of the pitch.
Tottenham will face many difficulties when they have to welcome Newcastle in the first match of 2025. After an unstable start to the season, the "Magpies" are flying high in recent times, including 4 consecutive wins in the Premier League.
In addition to their impressive form, Newcastle have also scored 13 goals and not conceded any in the four-match winning streak. With the impressive form of their attack led by Alexander Isak, Newcastle can completely penetrate Tottenham's patchwork defense in this match.
In terms of head-to-head record, Tottenham have suffered defeats in four of their last five Premier League meetings with Newcastle. The Magpies won 2-1 when the two sides met at St James' Park earlier in the season.
Human resources situation
Djed Spence is back in contention after a one-match ban but Spurs will continue to be without Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Vicario, Van de Ven, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert.
On the other side of the front line, Kieran Trippier was forced to leave the field early in the match against Man United with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar will be suspended for one match after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season at Old Trafford.
Expected lineup:
Tottenham: Forster, Porro, Gray, Doragusin, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Maddison, Son Heung-min, Solanke.
Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Kelly, Burn, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, J. Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
The match between Tottenham and Newcastle takes place at 7:30 p.m. on January 4 (Vietnam time).
