Now that the drama of the transfer window has passed, Newcastle United can focus solely on the football.
Eddie Howe‘s side welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park on Sunday, with Newcastle United looking to preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign.
But while Newcastle have not lost in league or cup yet, their performances have been far from convincing. The Magpies have done well in moments, but have failed to really impress since the 2024/25 season kicked off.
Now they face their toughest opponent so far, with Tottenham Hotspur on their way to Tyneside. They also have four points from two games, having drawn with Leicester City and beaten Everton.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle vs Tottenham will be a five-goal thriller
It should be a thrilling contest, as Eddie Howe and Ange Postecoglou go head to head.
It will be their first meeting since May, when the two sides faced each other in a post-season friendly over in Australia. Newcastle and Tottenham drew 1-1 in Melbourne, with the Magpies then triumphing on penalties.
But this match will be much more serious, and Chris Sutton has told BBC Sport that he is anticipating a thrilling contest at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s team haven’t quite clicked,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s a really settled Eddie Howe because he hasn’t got the players in so far which I think he would’ve wanted.
“I thought Spurs were excellent against Everton. I think there will be goals in this game, there can’t not be.
“But this will be toe-to-toe, this will be like a basketball match. I’m going to back Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle 2 Tottenham 3
Paul Merson disagrees with Chris Sutton over Newcastle match
While Sutton believes that Newcastle United will lose on Sunday, Paul Merson disagrees.
While Merson does not think it is good that Newcastle have missed out on Marc Guehi, he still believes that Eddie Howe’s side will be able to beat Tottenham.
In his prediction for Sportskeeda, Merson has backed Newcastle to win 2-1 against Tottenham this weekend.
“Tottenham had a brilliant result when they beat Everton 4-0 last weekend,” he said.
“But I’m backing Newcastle to win this one. This is a real test for Spurs, especially considering they’re playing away from home. In the past, I’ve seen Tottenham getting destroyed on the road in this particular fixture, so it’s a big test for them psychologically as well.
“The fans at St James’ Park will definitely be up for this game. It’ll be a different atmosphere there on Sunday. Tottenham have a lot to lose here and if they come out of this test unscathed, it’ll be a huge positive for them.
“That second half performance against Leicester did not really impress me and that is exactly why I feel Newcastle could beat them in this clash.”
Newcastle have had the better of Tottenham at St James’ Park lately
During the past couple of seasons, Newcastle United have absolutely battered Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park.
Last season, Howe’s side won 4-0 against Spurs, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon running riot. It was Newcastle at their clinical best, just like they were in the same fixture the year before.
In the season that Newcastle qualified for the Champions League, the Magpies made a statement at home to Tottenham. They won 6-1, with that game best remembered for Newcastle being 5-0 up within 21 minutes.
Joe Willock got a sublime assist that day, but he looks likely to miss this weekend’s game. Willock was forced off against Nottingham Forest with a thigh injury, and appears to be extremely doubtful for Sunday’s Premier League encounter.
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