Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon in a game that will be massive in the race for European football next season.

After what has been a difficult season for the Magpies, Champions League football two years in a row is now impossible. But they are very much in the fight for Europa League or Europa Conference League next season.

Currently sat in 8th place on 47 points, Newcastle will be desperate for a win in this game. And a win would be absolutely massive for them, potentially moving them up to 6th in the league - so long as results go their way in the other games as well.

Spurs have had an impressive first season under Ange Postecoglou. They are, as it stands, 4th place in the league but only on goal difference. Aston Villa right on their tails. However they do have one game in hand on the Birmingham based side. A win in this game takes them one step closer to a UCL return whereas a loss may set them back and put them in place for a scary end to the season.

This game is sure to be interesting with the potential implications for both sides being so huge.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur Stats

The hosts last game ended in a dramatic 1-0 victory against Fulham. Bruno Guimarães scoring in the 81st minute to win it. The result means that Newcastle have won two of their last five in all competitions.

Spurs, on the other hand, won their last game 3-1 against Nottingham Forest in pretty dominant fashion. In their last five games they have three wins, a draw and a loss. The one loss coming against Fulham a few weeks back.

Newcastle have a very impressive record in terms of scoring goals at home. They have scored two or more at St James’ Park in all competitions 11 times this season. In fact, in their last five games at home, they have scored an incredible 14 goals. Scoring is certainly not an issue for them.

The one thing that will worry Tottenham will be their record in away games having won just one of their last six games away from home. They managed a very good win against Aston Villa in early March but have suffered tough results against Brighton, Man United, Everton and the previously mentioned Fulham.

Both teams have played each other 169 times in their histories. Spurs have the better record of the two having won 74 of the meetings between them. Newcastle have managed just 61 wins. The last five games have seen three wins for Spurs and two wins for Newcastle so this one could certainly go either way.

The key stat to look at when it comes to meetings between the two is that there are always a lot of goals when these teams meet. In the last six games between the pair an astonishing 30 goals have gone in.

Last season, Newcastle shocked Spurs by beating them 6-1. But it was Spurs who dealt the destruction earlier this season beating the Magpies 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A Richarlison double as well as goals from Destiny Udogie and Son Heung-Min the difference makers. Could we expect a goal fest again in this one?

FULL TIME: Spurs 4-1 Newcastle

Tottenham return to winning ways. Thoughts? 👇 pic.twitter.com/BAHtbaY8n2

— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) December 10, 2023

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur Players to Watch

In a game between two sides that score quite a lot of goals - especially against each other - the players to watch have to be attackers.

For Newcastle, all eyes will be on Alexander Isak. He has scored an astonishing five goals in his last five games helping take his current tally for the season up to 15.

The other threat from a Newcastle standpoint is Anthony Gordon who also pops up with goal contributions quite a lot. Currently sitting on nine goals and six assists for the season, Gordon could be a danger man. Someone to look out for.

As for Spurs, their captain Son is always the standout. Son is level with Isak in terms of goals sitting on 15. He scores goals when needed on so many occasions often being the one to step up in key moments for his team. If anyone is going to score for Spurs in this game it’ll be him.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur Team News

Newcastle have struggled with a lot of long term injuries as of recent. In this game they will be without a number of key players. Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Callum Wilson will all miss the game for certain.

It remains unlikely but there is hope that Kieran Trippier, Livramento and Miguel Almiron all return soon but it looks unlikely that it will be in this game.

Joe Willock is also a doubt this weekend having been taken off in the last game against Fulham.

As for the away side, Postecoglou will of course remain without Manor Solomon who is out for the rest of the season with injury.

However it isn’t all negative news. Richarlison could be set to return in this game having gone back to training following a knock to his knee a few weeks ago.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur Where to Watch

This is for sure a must watch game. It gets underway at 12:30 on the 13th April.

It is available to watch on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting at 12pm.