TWINKLE-TOED SAINT CAN TROUBLE LEAKY TOTTENHAM
Hayden from defence to midfield. That made Newcastle much more competitive. It brought a reaction from the fans, who got behind the team. It seems like only a matter of time before Bruce will be removed as Newcastle boss. But he is a proud man and he will want to win tomorrow in what is his 1,000th game as a manager so that he can go out with self-respect and dignity intact. Newcastle can really get at Spurs. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have lost their last two away games in the Premier League, conceding six goals to Arsenal and Crystal Palace. Their only win on the road this season was at Wolves, where they were fortunate that the hosts could not convert any of their 25 shots. Newcastle will get chances, especially if they get the ball early into the dancing feet of Allan Saint-Maximin. He’s been electric, carrying the ball further than any other Premier League player this season and creating the most chances from those runs. The inclusion of Callum Wilson, if fit enough to feature, will be a major boost. He, more than anyone, will benefit from SaintMaximin’s twisting and turning and creativity. Wilson has that predatory instinct and is a proper No 9 who can wreak havoc with Tottenham’s defence. Nuno tried to sort out his side’s vulnerabilities by making personnel changes before the international break. Dele Alli and Japhet Tanganga were removed at half-time against Arsenal and didn’t feature against Aston Villa. Davinson Sanchez and Tanganga were replaced by Cristian Romero and Emerson in the back line against Villa, and Oliver Skipp was brought back in. It halted Tottenham’s losing streak. Tomorrow, though, they’re going to need to show great courage against a Newcastle team who now have the St James’ Park faithful returning as their 12th man after years of discontent.