Predicted Newcastle line-up to face a Tottenham in the Premier League

Newcastle were in dreamland after the conclusion of the midweek fixtures as they found themselves at 14th place, 5 points clear of the relegation zone.

This was thanks to what was by far their best performance of the season, as they beat Manchester City 2-1 against all the odds at St.James’ Park.

They fought like warriors for the entire 90 minutes and apart from a lapse in concentration 27 seconds into the game, they were solid, structurally and mentally. Rafa has got a positive reaction from the players and will be hoping to move forward.

Team News

Jonjo Shelvey, Mo Diame and Ki Sung-Yeung are all very close to returning from various injuries but will mostly have to do with places on the bench.

Karl Darlow is also recovering well and could be in contention for the next match. Apart from this, Paul Dummett and Joselu remain unavailable while Yoshinori Muto is representing Japan at the AFC Asian Cup.

Probable Newcastle United XI

Formation: 5-4-1

Manager: Rafael Benitez

GK – Martin Dubravka

The Slovakian is expected to keep his place for this massive clash against Spurs despite Darlow’s gradual recovery.

RWB – DeAndre Yedlin

The American international full-back has been very good going forward this season and his powerful crosses will certainly aid Salomon Rondón.

RCB – Fabian Schar

The Swiss international defender has been solid since making the starting place his own. Even managed to score a brace against Cardiff a couple of weeks ago.

CB – Jamaal Lascelles

The Englishman has been a rock at the back this season and deserves a lot of credit for the way he has led the team from the front since taking over the armband.

LCB – Florian Lejeune

Another player who has really come to the fore at the right time for Rafa, expect the Frenchman to keep his place in the heart of the Newcastle defence.

LWB – Matt Ritchie

The man who scored the winning penalty against Manchester City on Tuesday, the make-shift right-back is really owning his role and rewarding his manager’s trust.

RM – Ayoze Perez

The Spaniard is the Magpies’ most creative player and when he’s in the mood, he brings huge potency to the Newcastle front-line.

RCM – Issac Hayden

One of the two brilliant young midfielders who forms Newcastle’s engine room, Hayden has been sensational since coming into the line-up to cover for injuries.

LCM – Sean Longstaff

The player who makes Newcastle United tick, Longstaff has made the midfield role his own.

LM – Christian Atsu

The former Chelsea man has bags of pace and is capable of the odd special goal. His strong running and early crosses will be key in this match.

ST – Salomon Rondón

When given the right kind of chances, Rondón will always score them. He is a target man and when used properly, he can be extremely devastating.