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

Fin. We find ourselves at the end of Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League season, and what a season it was. A title run, push in the cups, the emergence of Dele Alli and the formation of Manager Maurcio Pochettino's preferred style of play has made 2015-16 a season to remember for Spurs supporters. But with one game left remaining, a key task remains--lock down second place, and finish above Arsenal. A disappointing loss to Southampton last Sunday has left Spurs with just a two point lead over Arsenal. A win in their final game will lock down a second place finish for Spurs, while a draw will see Spurs lock down at least on goal difference. So with a trip to the Northeast on the docket for Spurs, those sweet points will be on the mind that will keep St. Totteringham's day away this season.

Spurs travel to face a Newcastle United side in 18th place, already assured relegation. The Magpies have been felled by a defense that ranks second worst in the league, but they have been tough at home, posting a +4 GD at St. James. The attack has been strong, as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Ayoze Pérez have tallied the goals, while Moussa Sissoko, Jonjo Shelvey, and former Spurs Andros Townsend have created from midfield. Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is in an interesting place as he decides whether he wants to continue on with Newcastle next season, so we will have to see what he can get out of his already-relegated team in their last game of the season.

Can Spurs clinch second place, and more crucially, a finish above Arsenal? We shall see.

How to Watch

Date/time: Sunday, May 15, 2016, 3:00 p.m. (UK), 10:00 a.m. ET (USA)
Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Official: Anthony Taylor
TV: USA Network (USA), Sky Sports 1 (UK), Sportsnet One (Canada), Fox Sports 3 (Australia), other listings at livesoccertv.com
Streaming: NBC Sports Live Extra USA)
Radio: Audio streamed at tottenhamhotspur.com, also BBC Radio London and TalkSport

Projected Lineup

Repeat. It's tough to figure how Manager Mauricio Pochettino will tackle his lineup today after a poor performance versus Southampton last Sunday, but repeating his lineup seems the best bet with Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele still suspended. It would hardly be a shock though to see the young players feature in the season ender, especially Josh Onomah, so keep your eye on the team sheet.

Prediction League

As for the Prediction League, only Ben foresaw Spurs losing to Southampton last weekend, leaving Matthew in a great position to take down the league title. 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:

Dustin Menno: This match is going to be really stupid. 2-2 Draw

Skipjack: TBD

Ben Daniels: Remember that time we beat them 5-0? Let's just do that again. 5-0 Spurs

55thVin: I'm just trying make it back home by Monday morning I swear I wish someone would tell me that's all I want. 2-1 Spurs

Luke Zimmerman: Life is bullshit and then you watch Tottenham Hotspur play football. 0-0 Draw

Earl of Shoop: Remember that time in 2012 when we beat Newcastle 5-0? Of course you do. But do you also remember that the victory came via goals from Benoît Assou-Ekotto, Niko Kranjčar, Emmanuel Adebayor, and a brace from Spurs legend Louis Saha? And that on that glorious day our lineup also featured Brad Friedel in goal and a sub appearance from Ryan Nelsen? Sure, we had Bale and Modrić in the side (and actual Spurs legend Ledley King... for a while), but today's Spurs are so, so much better as a team than we were in 2012. And, as an added bonus, Newcastle are so, so much worse than they were then. This should - and will - be the beating this garbage Toon side deserve on their way out of the PL. Spurs relive the Harry Redknapp glory days, cruising once more to 5-0 win.

Matt Pachniuk: TBD

Jake Meador: 2-1 Spurs. Townsend will score a curler from outside the box after cutting in on his left foot BECAUSE OF COURSE HE WILL but we'll get a couple goals from Kane to keep our hold on 2nd and win the Golden Boot for him.

GN Punk: It's been a hell of a season. Let's finish strong and beat a team that we should crush. 3-0 Spurs

Brian Mechanick: This game has a misery business about it. Counting on a relegated Newcastle team being very, very disheartened. 1-0 Spurs

Ed F.: In keeping with Newcastle's utterly weird season, this will be their best performance of the year. FUCHT. 2-0 Toon

Bryan Ashlock: TBD