Pundits back Magpies for victory in ‘six-pointer’ NO FEAR Miggy ‘in contention’ for a place in starting line-up, reveals Howe
HOWE’S WAR CRY AHEAD OF SEASON’S ‘BIGGEST GAME’
CHRIS SUTTON, Paul Merson and Mark Lawrenson are all backing Newcastle United to win the battle of the Champions League hopefuls when they take on Tottenham Hotspur today. It’s a game that could well be deemed a ‘six-pointer’ given the importance of the tie.
Coincidentally, a win would move Eddie Howe’s side six points clear of Spurs with a game in hand over their opponents. However, defeat to Aston Villa in their last outing has seen some pundits raise questions over Newcastle’s top-four credentials.
A good result today would underscore the Magpies’ ambitions this season but also put any nerves to bed. Newcastle have lost just once on home soil this season, against Liverpool, and have been imperious at St James’ Park.
Here’s what the pundits have had to say heading into the big game this weekend:
Chris Sutton told the BBC: “I know Tottenham have got Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, who is coming into form, but I am not backing them any more.
“It has been a strange old season for Spurs and I don’t think they will get in the Champions League places from here.
“They don’t deserve to. I feel like we are approaching the stage of the season where all that Tottenham fans will be hoping for is that Arsenal don’t win the Premier League but, for now, Spurs still have a chance of making the top four.
“So this is a big one. Newcastle will take the game to Tottenham, and I can see it being quite open. I also think the Magpies will bounce back from their defeat by Aston Villa.”
Mark Lawrenson told Paddy Power: “Newcastle disappeared last week which is most unusual for them because even when they don’t play well they’re usually really difficult to beat. Tottenham did what Tottenham do. Spursy as we all know them.
“I’m going to go for Newcastle to win. Obviously it’s a big game for both team but I just don’t know what happens with Tottenham from one week to the next, I really don’t.”
Paul Merson told Sportskeeda: “Eddie Howe has been brilliant for Newcastle but if they keep losing games like they did last week, things could change. They’ve got to get into the top four now. A couple of big defeats and the board will start wondering how far Eddie Howe can take this team.
“This is a massive match. Both teams had absolute shockers last week.
“I thought Tottenham were definitely going to beat Bournemouth. Their season’s on the line, and if they lose this game, that’ll be it. If they lose to Newcastle, they’ll be lucky if they finish in fifth place.”
EDDIE Howe has told Newcastle to play without fear as they attempt to strengthen their grip on Champions League football by denting that of Tottenham.
The two sides meet at St James’ Park today with the fourth-placed Magpies three points clear of Spurs in fifth, having played a game fewer and with a significantly better goal difference.
Victory for Howe’s men would
MIGUEL ALMIRON is in “contention” to start Newcastle United’s encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Paraguay captain played 34 minutes in the 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa and is now eyeing a start after shaking off a thigh problem. Eddie Howe is toying with the idea if restoring him to his front three against Spurs.
When asked what his role could be this weekend, Howe said: “He’s an option, I’d say he’s in contention (to start).
“He’s had minimal training and has trained well, as Miggy usually does. I was pleased to see him back on the pitch but prior to that he had quite a long absence so we’ll wait and see. I’ll try and make the right call for him and the team.” edge them a step closer to a topfour finish and the rewards that would bring just 17 months into the head coach’s reign, and while that opportunity may have arrived sooner than expected, he wants his players to grasp it with both hands.
The 45-year-old said: “It’s what we crave as professional sportspeople. You want the big games, you want the big occasions and and you want it to mean something, so we’re determined to express ourselves in the best way possible.
“We want the occasion to galvanise
Almiron remains the club’s top marksman with 11 goals to his name and is now in the mood to finish the campaign with the Magpies’ best internal tally. It’s a challenge thrown down to him with eight matches left from the boss.
Speaking about Almiron’s goalscoring exploits, just one year after he scored the BBC Match of the Day goal of the month to stun
Crystal Palace, Howe said: “I’d say it’s probably slightly unusual to have the change in his goal scoring this year compared to previous seasons.
“The player deserves huge credit because he’s really got his head down and worked and he’s developed his game.”
Talking about his transformation from a player in and out of his team to the top scorer, Howe said: “I see us. We don’t want to play with any fear or restraints, we want to give the best us.”
Given the respective standings of the two teams, a draw today would be a better result for the hosts than the visitors, although Howe insists that does not even enter his thinking as he prepares his team to bounce back from last week’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
He said: “We play to win. That is a key part of the way I believe the game should be played so, home or away, whatever situation, we play to win.” The reverse him honing his skills finishing-wise regularly after training to try and be the best he can be in the positions he is going to find himself in. It’s all come from his own hard work.
“He’s always had the physical capabilities to deliver.
“Off the ball, he’s an incredible performer for us and certainly helps us with our high-intensity pressing game that we want to implement.
“On the ball, he has vastly developed his game. He’s now has a unique way of playing and has unique relationships with the team, with Kieran Trippier, Sean Longstaff and Bruno.
“It’s quite evident when we play how he links up with those players. His game is in a good place and we are delighted to get him back fit. He’s a big player for us.”