A Champions League-chasing Tottenham (W2, D1, L2) side take on a Newcastle (W2, L3) side sitting pretty in tenth-place for their penultimate match of the Premier League (PL) season.
With a fourteen-game unbeaten league run that began after a loss to Man City back in December, Spurs (TOT) looked a top-four certainty, but recently their form has deserted them with a draw at Brighton and losses to both West Brom and Man City (who also broke Spurs’ run).
After winning four games on the bounce around the turn of March, Mauricio Pochettino now faces a late challenge from London-rivals Chelsea and has claimed just a single victory from his last five games in all competitions. Left wanting after a loss to West Bromwich in his last game, Pochettino later blamed his side’s abilities in front of goal, stating: “Our finishing wasn't good and we are very disappointed”.
Newcastle couldn’t stop winning in March and April, and their 12 points from four matches proved enough to secure PL contention for next season. However, their form has taken a dip of late, with the ‘Magpies’ failing to claim a single point from their last three matches.
The reverse fixture saw Tottenham run out 2-0 winners after Jonjo Shelvey was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct following a clash with Dele Alli - he has missed ten games through suspension in his Newcastle career.
Players to watch: Harry Kane has scored three in five games and has 27 goals this season - Liverpool's Mo Salah (31) stands in the way of him joining only two other PL-era players to have won the Golden Boot for three consecutive seasons.
Ayoze Perez is looking to finish the season with a bang. He has four goals from his last six appearances, and six for the season.
Stat attack: This fixture has produced some memorable games and with 131 top flight fixtures played since 1909, Tottenham have the advantage (W57, D27, L47).
Their last two fixtures were heated exchanges featuring two red cards for Newcastle, while their last five league games have included a total of 23 cards (4.6 average).
Predictions, Newcastle +2 correct score 1-2
