Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United meet in North London on Saturday evening after both clubs recovered from disappointing Premier League openers by progressing in the EFL Cup.
Roberto De Zerbi's expensively rebuilt Spurs were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at Brentford but responded with a 5-1 home victory over Charlton. Mikey Moore, Dominic Solanke, Kevin Danso, Savio and Ben Davies all scored as Tottenham produced the attacking performance their new manager had demanded.
Newcastle surrendered two leads in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool before edging West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in midweek. Bazoumana Toure scored his first goal for the club and Harvey Barnes struck twice, giving Matthias Jaissle several attacking decisions to make for his team's first away league match.
Tottenham vs Newcastle: Key Stats
All four competitive matches involving either club this season have produced at least three goals
Tottenham have won their opening home league game in each of the last five seasons by an aggregate score of 14-1
Newcastle have won six of their last eight Premier League meetings with Spurs
Tottenham have not kept a clean sheet in their last 14 league matches against Newcastle
This is the most-played fixture in Premier League history never to finish goalless, with a goal in all 62 meetings
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
Tottenham should return to De Zerbi's preferred 4-3-3 and attempt to build patiently through Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Pedro Porro and Andy Robertson will advance from full-back, leaving Tonali responsible for controlling Newcastle's transitions against his former club.
Savio is pushing for his first Premier League start after contributing a goal and an assist from the bench against Charlton. Dominic Solanke can return at centre-forward, with Mathys Tel attacking from the left. Omar Marmoush has completed his move from Manchester City and could make his debut from the bench, but Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, James Maddison and Pape Sarr are unavailable. Mohammed Kudus remains doubtful.
Newcastle are unlikely to retreat despite their poor recent away record. Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes can attack the space behind Tottenham's full-backs, while Yoane Wissa should lead the line. New signing Nico Gonzalez is available and could make his debut alongside Lewis Miley. Dan Burn and Joelinton remain out, while Tino Livramento is doubtful.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3)
Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Solanke, Tel
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1)
Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Elanga, Willock, Barnes; Wissa
Players to Watch
Savio - The Brazilian marked his Tottenham debut with a goal and an assist in only 25 minutes against Charlton. His acceleration and willingness to attack one-against-one can expose Lewis Hall and give Spurs the natural width missing at Brentford.
Sandro Tonali - Tottenham's club-record midfielder faces Newcastle for the first time since leaving Tyneside. His press resistance and long passing will be crucial to controlling the match, but he must also protect the space behind Porro and Robertson.
Anthony Elanga - Elanga scored Newcastle's opening league goal against Liverpool and offers Jaissle's clearest route behind Tottenham's defensive line. His pace can punish Robertson whenever the left-back advances into midfield.
Harvey Barnes - Barnes changed the cup tie against West Brom with two composed finishes after entering at half time. His direct movement from the left should earn him a league start and could trouble Porro in transition.
Prediction
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.61
Both teams have already displayed the attacking quality and defensive vulnerability needed for an open contest. Tottenham's two competitive games have produced nine goals, while Newcastle's have generated another nine. Spurs have also failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 consecutive league meetings with the Magpies.
Savio, Solanke and potentially Marmoush strengthen De Zerbi's attacking options, but Elanga, Barnes and Wissa are well suited to exploiting the space Tottenham leave behind their full-backs. The last 11 league meetings have all produced at least three goals, making another high-scoring contest more convincing than selecting either inconsistent side to win. A 2-2 draw is the preferred scoreline.