Newcastle United have had a rocky start to the Premier League season under new manager Steve Bruce, losing both their games in the Premier League, while fan unrest over owner Mike Ashley has dampened spirits further.
The Magpies have yet another difficult game on Sunday, when they travel to London to face Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur.
Let’s take a look at 3 key Newcastle United players for the game against Tottenham:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United – Key players for the Magpies
Jonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey is perhaps the most experienced central midfielder in the Newcastle United squad, and the onus of creating chances from midfield, as well as scoring goals, lays on his shoulders.
The English midfielder scored a late goal against Norwich City, and will need to get on the scoresheet and provide assists, as well as contain the likes of Tanguy Ndombele against Spurs.
He could surprise the Spurs defence with his late runs into the box, and could also cause trouble by playing quick balls behind the Spurs defence.
Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle United had a terrible game last time around as Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki was deadly against them, scoring a fantastic hat-trick. The Magpies’ defence was very poor against Norwich and will need to play significantly better at the back against a very strong Spurs side.
Captain and centre-back Jamaal Lascelles, who had a good season last year, must lead from the front and put a lid on any attacks, while also keeping a close eye on English striker Harry Kane, when they travel to Spurs.
Lascelles will have to organise his defence and ensure that the likes of Son Heung-min and Kane don’t get the time and space to take shots on goal.
Miguel Almiron
Newcastle United have been very poor in creating chances in the first two games of the season, as they lack the quality in midfield. But one player who can make a difference is attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, who has been playing further forward and close to striker Joelinton in the opening two games.
Bruce will want more from his star attacker, who needs to drop deep and create chances, while also contributing with goals.
He is yet to score a goal for Newcastle United since signing in the January transfer window, and needs to get on the scoring sheet soon.
