Tottenham Hotspur Vs Newcastle United Preview: Both Injured

Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie. (Twitter @SpursOfficial)

Tottenham Hotspur tried to get up at home to Newcastle United who were slumped in the English Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sunday, December 10 at 23.30 WIB. Duel of two teams who were both injured by a disappointing defeat.

Tottenham have never won in the last five matches. Ironically, Son Heung-min et al always lead first.

Instead of ending the match with a win, the opponents faced can always equalize the score and even turn things around.

Most recently in the midweek match, Destiny Udogie et al had to give up 2-1 at home to West Ham United at the London Derby.

After winning first, the Hammers were able to equalize the score and the James Ward-Prowse goal that turned things around. West Ham left North London by pocketing three points.

The bad result frustrated the manager of Ange Postecoglou. Moreover, the attacking philosophy he carried had succeeded in the first weeks of the competition.

But when Tottenham lost an injured player, Postecoglou's strategy was no longer running according to expectations.

He was frustrated that the Lilywhites failed in a match that should have been won. In addition, team rankings continued to decline and are now outside the Champions League zone.

Tottenham were lucky that Manchester United were humiliated by Bournemouth 3-0 so they failed to win their place. The two teams both pocketed point 27, but Tottenham were still ahead on goal difference. "The attack was far from expectations. We created so many chances. But like any other game, we were weak in finishing," said Postecoglou.

"This is not a matter of how to play well. It's a matter of how we can win the game. I prepared this team to win. If we lead 1-0 in the first half, we haven't played well. It's a good performance if we lead 3-0 or 4-0," he said.

Newcastle faced the same situation. After a narrow 1-0 win over MU, The Magpies were then humiliated by Everton 3-0. The defeat made Newcastle fail to improve their position.

Tight competition does not only take place at the top. Even in the'second line', Newcastle is fighting for ratings with MU, Tottenham, Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United. If it is difficult to penetrate the Champions League zone, these teams still hope to be in the Europa League zone.

When visiting Tottenham headquarters, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe doesn't seem to have made much of a reshuffle to the squad.

Only goalkeeper Nick Pope added to the long list of injured players. His position was replaced by Martin Dubravka again.

Only The Toon Army is eyeing goalkeepers to replace Pope until the end of the season. Transfer rumors say former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will be recruited for short-term only.

Meanwhile, Son was a puzzle because he suffered a shoulder injury in the match against West Ham. However, this South Korean star was declared fit and was able to strengthen Tottenham again.

Son's recovery made Postecoglou relieved for not adding to the list of injured players. He did not look for excuses with so many players having to pull over due to injury.

But it is undeniable that Tottenham were hit not lightly because of a row of absent players such as James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Eric Dier who are pillar players.

With them, Tottenham had controlled the throne of the standings. Now, Postecoglou must rely on different players but not change the philosophy of attacking them.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Forecast (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Davies, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Lo Celso, Richarlison; Son

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Dubravka; Trippier, Lasceles, Schar, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Miley; Almionon, Isak, Gordon