Tottenham Hotspur travel to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he believes Tottenham Hotspur will beat Newcastle United 2-0 at St. James’ Park in the Premier League this afternoon.
Newcastle return to the Premier League today after a season in the Championship, where they won the title on the final day of last season as Rafael Benitez guided the Magpies back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
A general view inside St. James’ Park
Benitez has been somewhat frustrated in his search of new signings this summer, but he has managed to add Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo, Mikel Merino and Jacob Murphy to his squad ahead of today’s kick off, whilst also landing Christian Atsu on a permanent basis from Chelsea.
Benitez may have wanted more, but he must now take his squad into a tough season opener against Tottenham Hotspur, who finished second in the Premier League table last season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are the only team yet to make a signing this summer, but having only lost Kyle Walker, Pochettino can still call upon a star-studded squad, with the likes of Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane all set to feature.
Pochettino will be hoping to go one better than last season by winning the title, and whilst question marks linger over how Spurs will perform at Wembley Stadium this season, but they will hope to kick off with a win at St. James’ Park today.
Tottenham’s last trip to Tyneside ended in a stunning 5-1 defeat on the final day of the 2015-16 season, but pundit Mark Lawrenson doesn’t see a similar scenario this time around.
Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Tottenham will come away with a 2-0 victory, noting that Spurs could struggle at Wembley this season, whilst admitting that it’s good to have Newcastle back in the Premier League, but is predicting an opening day defeat for Benitez’s men.
“Tottenham’s great problem this year will be Wembley because it will be like playing away from home every week,” said Lawrenson. “Spurs were beaten 5-1 at St James’ Park on the last day of the 2015-16 season after they had missed out on the title and Newcastle had been relegated. It is good to see a club like Newcastle back in the top flight, but I am expecting a very different outcome this time,” he added.
What is your prediction for Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur?
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