Monday 16 May 2016

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United: Match Preview, Projected Lineups & Predictions

Fin. We find ourselves at the end of Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League season, and what a season it was. A title run, push in the cups, the emergence of Dele Alli and the formation of Manager Maurcio Pochettino's preferred style of play has made 2015-16 a season to remember for Spurs supporters. But with one game left remaining, a key task remains--lock down second place, and finish above Arsenal. A disappointing loss to Southampton last Sunday has left Spurs with just a two point lead over Arsenal. A win in their final game will lock down a second place finish for Spurs, while a draw will see Spurs lock down at least on goal difference. So with a trip to the Northeast on the docket for Spurs, those sweet points will be on the mind that will keep St. Totteringham's day away this season.

Spurs travel to face a Newcastle United side in 18th place, already assured relegation. The Magpies have been felled by a defense that ranks second worst in the league, but they have been tough at home, posting a +4 GD at St. James. The attack has been strong, as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Ayoze PĂ©rez have tallied the goals, while Moussa Sissoko, Jonjo Shelvey, and former Spurs Andros Townsend have created from midfield. Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is in an interesting place as he decides whether he wants to continue on with Newcastle next season, so we will have to see what he can get out of his already-relegated team in their last game of the season.

Can Spurs clinch second place, and more crucially, a finish above Arsenal? We shall see.

How to Watch

Date/time: Sunday, May 15, 2016, 3:00 p.m. (UK), 10:00 a.m. ET (USA)
Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Official: Anthony Taylor
TV: USA Network (USA), Sky Sports 1 (UK), Sportsnet One (Canada), Fox Sports 3 (Australia), other listings at livesoccertv.com
Streaming: NBC Sports Live Extra USA)
Radio: Audio streamed at tottenhamhotspur.com, also BBC Radio London and TalkSport

Projected Lineup

Repeat. It's tough to figure how Manager Mauricio Pochettino will tackle his lineup today after a poor performance versus Southampton last Sunday, but repeating his lineup seems the best bet with Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele still suspended. It would hardly be a shock though to see the young players feature in the season ender, especially Josh Onomah, so keep your eye on the team sheet.

Tottenham Hotspur - Football tactics and formations

Prediction League

As for the Prediction League, only Ben foresaw Spurs losing to Southampton last weekend, leaving Matthew in a great position to take down the league title. The rules remain the same in the Prediction League -- one point for a correct prediction and a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here are the current standings:
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