Tottenham vs Newcastle – Statistical Analysis

Article by Spurs Correspondent Ashley Caparelli

Coming off a 2-1 home victory against Sheriff in the UEFA Cup on Thursday night, Spurs will once again be entertaining the White Hart Lane faithful on Sunday, this time against Newcastle United in the Premier League. AVB's men will be hoping for another clean sheet against a side who have been struggling for any kind of real consistency. The stats analysed for this game are based on Tottenham's home record and Newcastle's away form.

Defence

Tottenham's defence have been in top form at home this season, (if the West Ham 'blip' is to be ignored) having kept 3 clean sheets at the Lane. With Newcastle creating on average 10 chances a game the Spurs back line may spend long periods of time watching the action rather than being a part of it. However with a shot accuracy of 53%, Lloris, Vertoghen and co. will have to stay alert to any counter attacks from the Tyneside club. The Lilly Whites should be able to handle any danger created by the Geordie's having made an average of 26 clearances, 13 interceptions and 2 blocks per game. Spurs are likely to have to deal with several crosses during this match with Newcastle being fifth in the league for number of crosses, this may not be a problem, however, as they have only found their target with 22% of them.

Despite the threat that Newcastle possess through players such as Remy, Cabaye and Ben Arfa, I do not predict much action for the Spurs defence to have to deal with. With AVB expected to rotate heavily fatigue will not be a factor in this game and as such I do not see Spurs conceding

Midfield

Expect spurs to dominate this game from kick-off having had an average possession of 56% at home compared to Newcastle's 47% away. This control of the midfield will be aided by Tottenham’s great passing having completed 83% of passes on average at home this season. Despite having struggled for goals this season, scoring the less than struggling Fulham, chance creation is at a reasonable level with an average of 13 chances per game, the problem may well be who they fall to and where.

Tottenham's recent starting midfield was fully rotated for the UEFA cup game mid week and as such should be fresh for the home game this coming Sunday. I see Spurs having the greater share off possession and limiting Newcastle to counter attacks which may threaten Lloris late on.

Attack

Spurs have only scored 5 goals at home this season which has caused many Spurs fans to doubt the team and they are right too as only 45% of shots have been on target. Set pieces may be an important outlet for Tottenham in this game having already scored from 2 this season and Newcastle only winning 55% of aerial battles this season. This may be the game in which the goals finally begin to flow for AVB's side with Newcastle having already conceded 11 on the road this season, with more support for Soldado/Defoe upfront from the midfield in this game they should score a more then the single goals being scored of late.

I believe Tottenham have yet to show what attacking threat they posses, and this could be the game where teams from both ends of the table begin to fear the white side of North London. Newcastle have been inconsistent on their travels this season and I cannot see them picking up back-to-back away victories for the first time this season from this fixture.

My Prediction: Spurs 3-0 Newcastle

SkyBet odds: Spurs win: 4/7, Draw: 14/5, Newcastle Win: 5:1

*stats by squarwka

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