Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action on Sunday when they head to Newcastle United in their third game of the season.
Spurs bounced back from their disappointing 1-1 draw at Leicester City to hammer Everton 4-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week.
Tottenham will now look to take on a side that endured a difficult summer on the transfer front but are also unbeaten this season.
The Magpies beat Southampton 1-0 in their season opener before drawing 1-1 at Bournemouth and then seeing Nottingham Forest off on penalties in the League Cup.
Chris Sutton, Troy Deeney and Paul Merson have now made their predictions for the fixture on Tyneside.
READ MORE: How to watch Tottenham v Newcastle: TV channel, kick-off time and team news
Chris Sutton backs Tottenham for narrow win in high-scoring affair
“Eddie Howe’s team haven’t quite clicked,” Sutton began on BBC Sport as he backed Spurs for a 3-2 win on the road.
“I don’t think it’s a really settled Eddie Howe because he hasn’t got the players in so far which I think he would’ve wanted.
“I thought Spurs were excellent against Everton. I think there will be goals in this game, there can’t not be.
“But this will be toe-to-toe, this will be like a basketball match. I’m going to back Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.”
Troy Deeney also fancies Spurs to win in five-goal thriller
Deeney said on TikTok: “Newcastle Tottenham, good game to be fair.
“Newcastle have been all over the place… I’m gonna say, it’s going to be a good game, 3-2 to Spurs.”
Paul Merson backs Newcastle for shock win over Tottenham
Spurs haven’t fared well away at Newcastle in recent years, and Merson believes Tottenham will suffer the same fate this time round, albeit with a more respectable scoreline.
“Tottenham had a brilliant result when they beat Everton 4-0 last weekend,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda. “But I’m backing Newcastle to win this one.
“This is a real test for Spurs, especially considering they’re playing away from home.
“In the past, I’ve seen Tottenham getting destroyed on the road in this particular fixture, so it’s a big test for them psychologically as well.
“The fans at St James’ Park will definitely be up for this game. It’ll be a different atmosphere there on Sunday.
“Tottenham have a lot to lose here and if they come out of this test unscathed, it’ll be a huge positive for them.
“That second half-performance against Leicester did not really impress me and that is exactly why I feel Newcastle could beat them in this clash.
“Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur.”
Newcastle v Tottenham team news
Postecoglou has confirmed that Dominic Solanke and Richarlison will not be available for Tottenham’s Premier League trip against Newcastle on Sunday.
However, Spurs have been handed a boost in the shape of the return of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
“Rodrigo is all good,” Postecoglou told the Tottenham media team on Friday. “He’s passed all the protocols we need to.
“More importantly he feels really good and the medical team are really comfortable with him being available for Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle are set to be without at least five players, as per the Shields Gazette.
Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are out injured against Spurs.
Meanwhile, Fabian Schar will serve the final match of his three-match suspension.
Martin Dubravka is also a doubt with a concussion injury picked up in training that has seen him miss the Magpies’ last two matches.
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