The Premier League returns this weekend with a fantastic fixture list in store for supporters who’ve wait all summer for some frenetic, dramatic top flight action.
Arsenal vs Leicester City, Manchester United vs West Ham and Newcastle vs Tottenham all represent intriguing contests that should provide a frantic, unpredictable start to the new season, but it’s the latter match-up that’s particularly caught FootballFanCast’s eye.
St. James’ Park is a fantastic venue and although the Magpies haven’t enjoyed the most productive of summers, they always carry that ‘big draw’ feel and have a manager in Rafa Benitez who knows how to eke out results against top-quality sides of Tottenham’s ilk.
Meanwhile, Spurs’ lack of recruitment this summer combined with Danny Rose’s recent comments have created a bit of a dark cloud over the north Londoners.
So, could Sunday’s 1.30pm kickoff provide the Premier League’s biggest upset of the opening weekend? Here’s what our partisan experts, NothingButNewcastle editor Jonnie Gorrie and ThreeAndIn editor Matt Burns, have to say as their respective clubs prepare to meet on Tyneside.
How will Newcastle line up for their first game back in the Premier League?JG: Elliot; Manquillo, Lejeune, Clark, Dummett; Merino, Shelvey, Ritchie, De Jong, Murphy; Mitrovic.Javier Manquillo’s arrival on Tyneside may have been largely unheralded but even the maiden voyage in Newcastle United’s Premier League campaign goes some way into showing just how important an arrival he is.While he may not have pulled up any trees while on loan with Sunderland or Liverpool, the 23-year-old may be a better fit for this game than the injured DeAndre Yedlin, in that he’s far more defensive. Meanwhile, Jamaal Lascelles’ inconsistent form (as well as a recent knock) for parts of the Championship campaign should see summer signing Florian Lejeune – who has looked assured in pre-season – paired with Ciaran Clark in a flat back four. Mike Merino, fitness permitting, is another to have impressed since joining and, along with Jacob Murphy, is the most exciting signing of the Magpies’ summer.How much does Trippier’s injury affect Tottenham and who should come in to replace him? MB: It’s a fundamental mess. Spurs knew that Kyle Walker was leaving months ago yet his departure was more or less treated as an afterthought. Kieran Trippier is injured and thought to be weeks away from making a return.Cameron Carter-Vickers isn’t the required standard – this isn’t my opinion, this is confirming what Mauricio Pochettino told the press after the Juventus friendly. This will see Pochettino forced to play three at the back, which may suit him or hinder him. You’d have to ask Pochettino.What Tottenham weak spot can Newcastle take advantage of? JG: Obviously, Tottenham’s lack of a senior right-back must be exploited. Though Mauricio Pochettino does have options in the likes of Eric Dier and a certain Moussa Sissoko, Murphy’s direct running gives Rafa Benitez a far more dynamic option in order to do exactly that. It’s a big occasion for the £12m signing, while Siem De Jong may find a tad more space between the midfield and defensive line than he might have if Victor Wanyama wasn’t injured. There won’t be all too many gaps in Spurs’ set-up, so these two need exploit what space they can as they look to link up with the relatively immobile Aleksandar Mitrovic. What’s the biggest factor in deciding this game?MB: Newcastle are back in the big time and will be all too aware that every point is precious. Spurs had a good record on the road last term, but St James’ Park has never been a happy hunting ground and Spurs are the only side without the feel good factor of having made new signings.JG: Newcastle United start the season under pressure after a pretty lacklustre summer in the transfer market. Now, Tottenham may have suffered a similar fate in that regard, though few would doubt the sheer amount of quality flowing through even their relatively depleted ranks.Should the first portion the game see Spurs dominate, which it likely will, the home side will have to battle the crowd and hope the mood isn’t turned overly sour towards Mike Ashley and the lack of transfer activity.In terms of on the pitch, Murphy’s pace against (potentially) Sissoko, who may not keep up with his defensive duties all too often, will certainly be an interesting battle. Depending on what incarnation of the Frenchman shows up on Sunday, the former Norwich man could have some joy. Keeping the wonderfully varied attacking trident of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen quiet will be difficult, though Clark and Lejeune do have some of the required tools. What concerns you most about Newcastle?MB: My primary concern would be the probable site of morbidly obese men, naked from the waist up. Apart from that, my greatest concern at any game at St James’ Park is being either so hungover or so drunk that I might fall out of the Sir John Hall Stand and onto the pitch. It is the most incredibly high spot in the Premier League and if you’re standing up when there’s the slightest breeze, you’re courting disaster.
What are your score predictions for Sunday’s game?
MB: One goal apieceJG: 2-1 to Tottenham.
