- Newcastle have climbed to fifth after winning their last four Premier League games
- Tottenham continue to battle against a number of defensive injuries
- Recommended bet: Newcastle to win

Newcastle have stormed up the Premier League table in the last few weeks and a return to the Champions League does not seem an unrealistic dream as they head into the new year fifth in the standings.

Tottenham, who host the Magpies on Saturday, have dug themselves into a bit of a rut and their defensive injuries mean they may struggle to keep the Geordies and red-hot striker Alexander Isak at bay.

Team news

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defenders Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are all out. 

Djed Spence returns from suspension but Rodrigo Bentancur is banned after picking up five bookings, while Richarlison and Wolson Odobert are also still unavailable.

Newcastle will be without Fabian Schar who was cautioned for the fifth time in Monday’s 2-0 win at Manchester United while Sven Botman, Emil Krafth, Nick Pope, Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson are all sidelined.

The stats

Newcastle have not conceded any goals in their last four Premier League matches, all of which were won as part of a five-match winning streak in all competitions.

Tottenham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 25 home league games.

All but four of Spurs’ last 27 home league matches have featured at least three goals.

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has scored eight goals in his last seven appearances.

Both teams have scored in 11 of Tottenham’s last 15 outings.

Prediction

Newcastle have got themselves on a roll and while wins over Leicester, Ipswich and Aston Villa shot them up the Premier League table, it was Monday’s 2-0 success at Manchester United that has made plenty of people sit up and take notice.

Eddie Howe’s side have found the perfect combination of being hard to score against — the Magpies have kept a clean sheet in their last four league outings — while having a top striker to do the damage in the opposition's penalty area.

Sweden forward Alexander Isak has had his injury issues since joining the north-east outfit from Real Sociedad, but he has hit a purple patch with a goal in the win over the Red Devils taking his league tally to 12 for the campaign.

While the Mapies have been flying, Tottenham have been feeling a little sorry for themselves of late as a series of defensive injuries have taken their toll on Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Left-back Destiny Udogie has been the latest to decamp to the treatment room and while they still have the attacking resources to threaten any team in the top flight, their issues at the back, where they are without their first-choice goalkeeper and best two central defenders, suggest they may not be able to halt Newcastle’s progress.

Back Newcastle to win at 57/50 with LiveScore Bet.

Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!

Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!

Predict the score of all six LiveScore 6 fixtures for your chance to win. 18+, UK/Ireland residents only, T&Cs apply.