Just few years ago matches between Tottenham and Newcastle were nothing more than mid table clashes that nobody apart from the two sets of fans was too interested in. A lot has changed since and this is now a derby game between genuine title contenders and serious top 4 challengers.

Who says Tottenham cannot grind out results?

This is not the first time Tottenham are considered one of the most entertaining sides in English Premier League, but it is the first season that Spurs managed to find the right balance between attractive style of play and result-oriented football. That has seen Harry Redknapp’s side become genuine title contenders this season as well as create a huge advantage over their top 4 rivals in such a strong competition. The game at Anfield proved that Spurs can revert to more negative approach when needed, which is something they were not able to do in the past, but now that they are back at their White Hart Lane, we should see another impressive attacking performance. Aaron Lennon, Rafa van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe could all return to the side, which is bound to bring a lot of improvement in the attacking department. With Luka Modric and Gareth Bale at their creative best, Spurs should have no problems scoring a couple of goals against Newcastle. On the other hand, the back line will have their work cut out for them when facing what looks like a great attacking partnership in the making.

Ledley King is expected to miss out due to his ongoing knee problems, whereas Aaron Lennon, Rafael van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe are minor doubts. Tom Huddlestone and William Gallas are definitely out.

Papiss Demba Cisse already paying off

When Newcastle signed injury-prone Demba Ba on a free transfer from West Ham, the Magpies were hoping to get a striker who could chip in with a few goals when fit and add something new to the attacking department. Little did they know that the Senegalese would prove to be a signing of the season in English Premier League after scoring 16 goals in 20 league games for the club. It is, therefore, not surprising that Newcastle owners decided to splash the cash on the player who was keeping Ba out of the starting line-up in the national team, and Papiss Demba Cisse arrived to St James Park in a big money move this January. The Senegalese internationals scored a goal each in less than 80 minutes they were on the pitch together against Aston Villa, hinting that Newcastle chiefs were once again spot on in their decisions. The Magpies are now flying high following back to back victories over Blackburn and Aston Villa, so I am pretty sure they won’t be afraid to attack Tottenham at the Lane.

Yohan Cabaye serves the final game of his three-match ban, whereas Chieck Tiote is away on international duty. Leon Best, Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor, Sammy Ameobi and Sylvain Marveaux are all sidelined.

Verdict

While all eyes will be on Manchester United vs Liverpool game on Saturday, it is the match at White Hart Lane that should offer us the most excitement. Both sides boast incredible amount of attacking potential and are without starting defenders, thus we should see goals galore in North London.

Our prediction: Over 3 goals

Odds: 2.19 (119/100)

Bookmaker: 188BET