Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 11/08/2017

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League Preview and Odds

August 13, 2017 14:30pm - St. James` Park

Premier League

After a year away from the top flight, Newcastle United begin their Premier League campaign with a tough home encounter against last season`s runners-up Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies secured an instant return to the top tier under the guidance of experienced Spanish coach Rafa Benitez. The former Real Madrid man wasted no time in making huge changes behind the scenes at the club and will now set about retaining their Premier League status. All this while battling with boss Mike Ashley over the club`s transfer policy.

Despite some internal tension, the overall atmosphere at the club and around the city is as positive as it has been since Bobby Robson left the club in 2004. However, fans will be under no illusion that survival will be the priority this term.

In terms of new recruitments, winger Jacob Murphy has arrived from Norwich, while Florian Lejeune and Javier Manquillo have both been drafted in to strengthen the defence. Christian Atsu has penned a permanent deal but so far there has been no big name signing to get the crowd excited.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have yet to add a single player to their squad since offloading Kyle Walker, Nabil Bentaleb, Clinton N`Jie and Federico Fazio for a total combined fee of £72m. On the bright side, they have retained the services of their key players including Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Eric Dier.

The main concern for Spurs fans will be that other teams have strengthened while they have stayed still, prompting fears that they could slip out if the top four this term. Of course, it could be argued that having a stable squad who know each other inside out and are still improving could actually work in their favour.

St James` Park is never an easy place to visit and the home crowd will be fired up for the new season. And let`s not forget, the last time the two sides met here at the end of the 2015/16 season, the Geordies ran out 5-1 winners.

Recent form (all competitions)

Newcastle United: WWLWD

Tottenham Hotspur: WLLWW

Betting odds and tips

Newcastle have scored in each of their last 14 home matches and can be expected to find the net here. Spurs are also prolific scorers, netting in eight of their last 11 league matches away from home making the Both Teams to Score bet look like a good option.

You can back Both Teams to Score at a best price of 4/5

By Neil Morris