Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on Newcastle vs Tottenham score amid Champions League claim
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Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have agreed that Newcastle will extend their lead over Tottenham in the race for top-four. Eddie Howe’s side will welcome Spurs to St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, with a Champions League qualification place is on the line.
The Magpies head into the clash with a game in hand and three points clear of the north Londoners. A win for Newcastle will provide the home side significant breathing space, while a defeat would surrender ground to Tottenham in the race for top-four.
Both sides also head into the tie with questions marks over their credentials; Newcastle lost to Aston Villa last time out, while Spurs conceded a late winner to relegation-threatened Bournemouth. Merson has tipped the Magpies to win 2-1.
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“Eddie Howe has been brilliant for Newcastle but if they keep losing games like they did last week, things could change,” said the former Arsenal midfielder in a column for SportsKeeda. “They’ve got to get into the top four now.
“A couple of big defeats and the board will start wondering how far Eddie Howe can take this team. This is a massive match. Both teams had absolute shockers last week.
“I thought Tottenham were definitely going to beat Bournemouth. Their season’s on the line, and if they lose this game, that’ll be it. If they lose to Newcastle, they’ll be lucky if they finish in fifth place.
“If Newcastle lose this game, alarm bells will start ringing – they need to raise their standards. Eddie Howe needs a big result and I think they’ll pull it off against Tottenham this week.”
Sutton has also backed Newcastle to win, but 3-1. Writing for the BBC, the former Chelsea striker said: “I know Tottenham have got Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, who is coming into form, but I am not backing them any more.
“It has been a strange old season for Spurs and I don’t think they will get in the Champions League places from here. They don’t deserve to.
“I feel like we are approaching the stage of the season where all that Tottenham fans will be hoping for is that Arsenal don’t win the Premier League but, for now, Spurs still have a chance of making the top four.
“So this is a big one. Newcastle will take the game to Tottenham, and I can see it being quite open. I also think the Magpies will bounce back from their defeat by Aston Villa, and they know they can take a big step towards the Champions League themselves if they win this one.”
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