Newcastle United’s new era begins with a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, while there is also the small matter of a clash between Everton and West Ham United before the St James’ Park fireworks.
Rafa to Work His Magic
Before the focus turns to Newcastle’s clash at 16:30, the attention will be on Everton’s contest against West Ham United at Goodison Park, which starts at 14:00 and promises to be a cracker.
The Toffees are sixth in the Premier League heading into the clash, losing just one of their seven matches, and a victory would take the Merseyside outfit into fourth position and just two points behind table-toppers Chelsea.
Rafael Benitez’s men have won all three home games this season, beating Southampton, Burnley and Norwich City, and the 8/5 on offer for the hosts to extend their perfect Goodison Park record looks tempting.
The visitors will be no pushovers, though, as they are unbeaten away from home this term across all competitions, winning at Newcastle, Dinamo Zagreb, Manchester United and Leeds United, while also drawing at Southampton.
Michail Antonio has scored three times on the road this season and the 19/10 on the forward to score anytime looks to be great value, while the 5/1 on him to score the first or last goal of the game also appeals.
Bruce to Lead the Magpies
After a miserable 14-year under owner Mike Ashley, Newcastle supporters are now hoping for a brighter future following the recent Saudi-led takeover was completed, making the Magpies one of the richest clubs in the world.
However, before thoughts of a return to Europe and a Premier League title challenge, the north-east outfit must get themselves out of relegation trouble and safe for the next campaign.
Despite the reports Steve Bruce would be sacked, the 60-year-old remains in charge of Newcastle in what will be his 1000th game as a manager and he will be hoping for win number 377.
However, Bruce has won just four of his 26 encounters with Spurs in all competitions and, although the Magpies are boosted by the return of striker Callum Wilson, this looks set to be a difficult game for them.
Conceding Goals an Issue
Winless Newcastle have conceded 16 goals this season and failed to keep a clean sheet – both the joint-worst records in the Premier League heading into the weekend.
Spurs have endured their struggles of late and they have won only five of their past 18 away league fixtures, while two unnamed players have tested positive for Covid-19, having trained on Thursday and both will have to isolate for 10 days.
Harry Kane is yet to get off the mark in the league this season, but a trip to St James’ Park – where five of his six PL goals for Spurs against Newcastle have come – could be exactly what he needs.
With both sides desperate for all three points, this could prove to be a high-scoring affair and backing over 2.5 goals at 20/27 looks to be the betting route to go down.
*All odds correct at time of writing