Newcastle United have done really well to secure their top-flight status early this season, after a less than impressive start to the league campaign. They are now in the 10th place, and can only move up a place come the end of the season. They have very little to play for in the league at the moment but they can surely spoil the party of a couple of clubs fighting for the top-4 spots this season.
The Magpies travel to Wembley this week in the penultimate game of the season, just days before they welcome Chelsea to St James’, with both teams needing wins to stay in the hunt for a place in the Champions League next season. However, Rafa’s side have lost each of their last three league games and will go into this game at Wembley as second favourites. Mauricio Pochettino’s men lost to West Brom last weekend and have won just one of their last four league games.
Both teams will surely look to pick all three points but this game means more to Spurs than it does to Newcastle United. But Rafa will let no complacency set in and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Christian Atsu and Islam Slimani remain the only long-term absentees ahead of this game for Rafa. Ciaran Clark is still not back in training and will not make it to the squad that travels to London this week. Up to 5 academy players trained with the first team ahead of this game but Rafa might not risk losing this game, just to give youngsters some game time.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defence:
Martin Dubravka has been effective under the bar and will keep his place in the side for this clash. He will be helped by Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune, both of who have formed a formidable CB partnership.
Paul Dummett is the best option at left-back for Rafa while DeAndre Yedlin will replace Javier Manquillo, who was used at right-back in the last game.
Midfield:
Mohamed Diame was subbed off early in the loss to Watford and might keep his place in the first team. He could be partnered with Mikel Merino, who will replace Jonjo Shelvey at the heart of the midfield.
Matt Ritchie might get his chance to impress on the right flank in the midfield while Kenedy has cemented his place on the left flank recently.
Attack:
Ayoze Perez scored the only Newcastle goal at Vicarage Road and will keep his place in the no.10 role. He will be supported by Joselu, who will add some strength and physicality to the Newcastle United attack.
Here is how they might line up:
