Saturday, January 22
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
St James’ Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: BBC Match of the Day.
Newcastle (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique; Barton, Nolan, Smith, Gutiérrez; Best, Ameobi.
Spurs (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Bale; van der Vaart; Crouch.
Referee: Mark Halsey. Matches: 12. R1 Y27.
Tale of the game
Harry Redknapp has Steven Pienaar available following his £3 million switch from Everton.
Pienaar could start his Spurs career on the substitute’s bench while Redknapp must decide whether to recall Jermain Defoe after the striker started as a substitute for the goalless draw against Manchester United.
Spurs have been pursuing Newcastle’s Andy Carroll but the England striker remains a doubt with a thigh muscle strain that has kept him out of the last four games, including three in the Premier League.
But during his absence, Newcastle have avoided defeat and taken seven points from a possible nine.
In December, Newcastle lost 2-0 to a Spurs side that could even afford to lose Younes Kaboul to a red card in between the goals.
They will also be without the suspended Cheik Tiote, sent off at Stevenage in the FA Cup, and Ryan Taylor (ankle) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg).
Spurs arrive without Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Ledley King (groin), Jamie O’Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin).
This season: Spurs 2 Newcastle 0.
Last season: N/A.
Stat of the game: The first goal scored by Newcastle will be the 100th league goal conceded by Spurs in the Premier League under Harry Redknapp.
Betting tip: Spurs by a whisker; try 1-0 at 15-2.
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