Tottenham Hotspur wanted much more than seven points from the past four-match stretch, but that was still enough to go level with Villa and while also having a match in hand. Though both teams still have daunting run-ins, at least Spurs have the mathematical advantage at the moment and are probably the side in better form.
Newcastle United is no relegation candidate, but Saturday is Tottenham’s clearest look at three points for the next month with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool on deck. The Magpies have won exactly half of their past 10 matches and sit eighth, just behind Manchester United and West Ham, and are a quality side but not elite.
Spurs went rampant in the reverse fixture, winning 4-1 behind goals from Destiny Udogie, Richarlison twice, and Heung-Min Son, who (won and) scored the season’s only penalty. That dominant performance importantly ended the five-match winless streak; perhaps this will set up another good run at a key point in time as well.
Newcastle United (8th, 47pts) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (t-4th, 60pts)
Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 7:30 am ET, 12:30 pm UK
Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
TV: USA Network (USA), TNT Sports 1 (UK)
It is hard to forget the last time these clubs met at St James’ Park nearly a year ago. In an era of lows, it did feel like rock bottom for Spurs, and indeed Cristian Stellini was sacked following that debacle. Since then, Newcastle secured fourth, tried its best in the Group of Death, and has now fallen quite off the pace of the top five.
The clubs were separated by just a point when they faced in December, but their trajectory has gone in different directions. Newcastle is still a dangerous side though (fourth in xG), and an away win is far from guaranteed. Alexander Isak has three goals since the international break and he is a big threat against an occasionally shaky back line, but a midfield likely without Joelinton and Joe Willock could give the visitors the advantage.
Lilywhite Spotlight: …destiny
As is to be expected from any young player, it has been an up-and-down campaign for Udogie, starting hot before a couple suspensions. He again was in good form to begin 2024, but this past stretch has not been his strongest performance, which again is nothing to be surprised at with a new club under a new manager.
However, Tottenham needs Udogie to find his form with some massive fixtures remaining. There is no suitable alternative at left back, and Ange Postecoglou asks a lot from the position. The home win over Newcastle featured one of Udogie’s best outings this season, and maybe this is the opponent he needs to kickstart a strong final month. Spurs are a different team when he is firing, and every ounce of quality is necessary to finish this year well.