Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United: squad sheets

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/feb/08/tottenham-hotspur-newcastle-united-squad-sheets

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Tottenham might have wanted this fixture before January. Back then, Newcastle were Newcastle and they were worried. Now, they are Neufchâteau, their mid-season shop having brought gifts from Ligue 1 and they travel to London with the fortification of back-to-back wins. Tottenham have problems up front. Then again, they have Gareth Bale and he may carry his threat in more central areas. Lewis Holtby is in line for a home debut as Spurs look to pull away from Arsenal and Everton, who have tough away fixtures<strong>. David Hytner</strong>

<strong>Venue</strong> White Hart Lane, Saturday 12.45pm

<strong>Tickets </strong>£37-58 (0844 844 0102)

<strong>Last season </strong>Tottenham 5 Newcastle 0

<strong>Referee </strong>Phil Dowd

<strong>This season's matches</strong> 16 <strong>Y</strong>47, <strong>R</strong>2, 3.06 cards per game

<strong>Odds </strong>Tottenham 4-6 Newcastle 5-1 Draw 3-1

<strong>Tottenham Hotspur</strong>

<strong>Subs from</strong> Friedel, Naughton, Caulker, Gallas, Carroll, Huddlestone, Livermore, Sigurdsson, Adebayor

<strong>Doubtful</strong> None

<strong>Injured</strong> Kaboul (knee, Mar), Sandro (knee, Aug), Defoe (ankle, Mar)

<strong>Suspended</strong> None

<strong>Form guide</strong> WDDDWW

<strong>Disciplinary record</strong> Y35 R2

<strong>Leading scorer</strong> Bale 11

<strong>Newcastle United</strong>

<strong>Subs from</strong> Elliot, Harper, Yanga‑Mbiwa, Perch, Anita, Bigirimana, Marveaux, Obertan, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi

<strong>Doubtful</strong> Tioté (jet-lag)

<strong>Injured</strong> Ben Arfa (hamstring, 2 Mar), R Taylor (knee Aug), Vuckic (knee, Aug), Gosling (knee, unknown)

<strong>Suspended</strong> None

<strong>Form guide</strong> WWLDLL

<strong>Disciplinary record</strong> Y49 R2

<strong>Leading scorer</strong> Cissé 5

<strong>Match pointers</strong>

<strong>• Tottenham have scored the highest proportion of goals in the second half of games this season (74%)</strong>

<strong>• Newcastle have lost each of their past three league trips to White Hart Lane without scoring a goal</strong>

<strong>• Tottenham have eight points fewer than they did at the same point last term, but took just 16 points from their last 13 games</strong>

<strong>• 27 points and a goal difference of minus 11 is Newcastle's worst in the Premier League after 25 games</strong>

<strong>• Phil Dowd has awarded the most penalties this term (eight)</strong>