Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United: Match Preview, Projected Lineups & Predictions

Opportunity. As Spurs enter their match against Newcastle United on Sunday, the table is wide open for Spurs as their competition falters. A win today will move Spurs into 4th place for the first time all season, boosting the spirits of the Lilywhites as the busy holiday fixture season awaits. Although Spurs were frustrated against West Brom last weekend in a draw, there is reason for optimism as Spurs crushed Monaco in Europa League play in the midweek. Erik Lamela seems to be finding a rich vein of form, which could leave the Argentine as a great goal scoring boost to compliment Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen.

In the way is an arrival from a Newcastle United side that sits in the relegation zone in 18th place, just a point from safety. Newcastle has struggled mightily on the road so far this year, with just 3 goals scored compared to 18 goals allowed. The Magpies are not without scoring threats though, as Georginio Wijnaldum, Ayoze Perez, and Moussa Sissoko could all trouble the Spurs' defense. Ancient Fabricio Coloccini still marshals the Newcastle defense, while Robert Elliot will likely start in goal.

Can Tottenham finally launch themselves into the top 4 for the first time this season?  We shall see.

How to Watch

Date/time: Sunday, December 13, 4:00 p.m. (UK), 11:00 a.m. ET (USA)
Venue: White Hart Lane, London, UK
Official: Roger East
TV: Telemundo (USA), Sky Sports 1 (UK), Sportsnet World (Canada), Fox Sports 4 (Australia), other listings at livesoccertv.com
Streaming: NBCS Live Extra (USA)
Radio: Audio streamed at tottenhamhotspur.com, also BBC Radio London and TalkSport

Projected Lineup

Ill. We thought Tottenham was going to have a healthy lineup for Newcastle United today, but a shock late illness for Mousa Dembele may bring Son Heung-Min back into the lineup, with Dele Alli moving back to central midfield. Ryan Mason and Nacer Chadli could also be candidates to start in lieu of Dembele.

Prediction League

As for the Prediction League, Mechanick foresaw a Spurs' draw versus Chelsea, boosting him into sole possession of first place. The rules remain the same in the Prediction League -- one point for a correct prediction and a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here are the current standings:

Michael Caley: 2-0 Spurs. We'll be rested, Tom Carroll will have finally proved his worth, and Newcastle aren't good.

Bryan A.: Seriously, I'm horrible at this. I would be better off just agreeing with Caley every week than trying to come up with my own thoughts and analysis. So, 2-0 Spurs.

GN_Punk: Newcastle may have beaten Liverpool somehow, but they're still not a good side. After thrashing Monaco and having not lost in the league since August, I am not concerned with Toon. They're bad. This should be a blowout. Kane for a brace, Coco continues his form, and somewhere along the way, Eric Dier trucks Moussa Sissoko. Spurs 3-0

Mechanick: I am loving the way Lamela is playing and I think he gets another league goal. Wijnaldum could be trouble. But I think Spurs pull it out in the end. Spurs 2-1

Ed F.: 3-1 Spurs. Something something about an umbrella.

Skipjack: 4-1 Spurs. Mouse Dembele's form is so hot that it frightens Eric Dier.

Dustin Menno: Newcastle probably won’t get relegated, but that doesn’t mean they’re not still terrible. This is a fixture that Spurs should win comfortably, and I’ll be especially irritated if we don’t, especially at home. 3-0 Spurs.

Brett Rainbow: TBD

Ben Daniels: Newcastle are complete trash. 5-0 Spurs.

55thVin:

Hah, sicker than your average Poche

Exiles losers on instinct, players didn't think s*** stink

Mason haters, Bryan A.'s prayers

Sheets clean for my boys in N17.

2-0 Spurs

Earl of Shoop: Guys, sometimes you just have to face facts. For example, I'm bad at this prediction league thing. Attempted actual tactical predictions, ridiculous paper-bag comparison predictions, not predicting at all for a couple of weeks - doesn't seem to matter what I do, it's just not working. Coincidentally, you could say the same about Newcastle the past couple of seasons. Some pretty good signings, various decent managers, Steve McClaren. Makes no difference whether they do good things or bad, they just can't get it together. Fortunately for me, this is the week I turn it around with a flawless prediction and start my run to the top of the Prediction League table. Unfortunately for the good people of Tyneside, this is not the week that Newcastle turns anything around. Instead, following their unlikely win over Liverpool they'll come crashing back to their Mike Ashley-based relegation zone-dwelling reality and turn in a lackluster performance in a 3-1 loss to Spurs. Our thoughts and prayers are with Newcastle fans in these difficult times/years/decade.

Luke Zimmerman: Newcastle? More like Oldcastle. The thing is, they aren’t all that good at football. Or at least playing it well consistently. Goin Spurs big, 4-1.

Matthew Pachniuk: The draw against WBA certainly wasn't a loss, but it wasn't a result that the squad should be happy with either.  A bounce back with an outstanding performance against Monaco should have the team buzzing.  The team is rested, rotated, and ready to go.  If we all keep picking Spurs to win 3-0, they have to win by that margin at some point right?  Spurs 3-0

Jake Meador: TBD

Salmon Chase: TBD