Newcastle v Spurs preview

Magpies hope for home comforts against improving Spurs

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 22nd October 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Newcastle v Spurs preview

Barton: Possible debut

Skysports.com prediction: Newcastle 2 Spurs 2
Player to watch: Robbie Keane
Sky Bet odds: Newcastle 11/8 Draw 12/5 Spurs 15/8
Click here for full odds.

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Newcastle United play host to Tottenham Hotspur aiming to maintain their unbeaten home record.

Tottenham travel to Tyneside on the back of a six-match unbeaten run, but they are still looking for their first away win of the season.

Joey Barton could be in line to make his Newcastle debut after his recovery from a broken foot picked up in pre-season.

Michael Owen is fit to play after coming through England's two games against Estonia and Russia without any ill-effects.

Alan Smith is absent for the home side as he is suspended so Emre could start in midfield.

Mark Viduka and Claudio Cacapa both face late fitness tests, but Shola Ameobi is set to miss out with a groin problem.

Robinson ruled out

Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson is ruled out for the visitors after picking up a calf strain on international duty last week.

Radek Cerny is set to deputise for Robinson in goal for Martin Jol's side.

Spurs skipper Ledley King is still a few weeks off from returning from a knee injury and he is joined on the sidelines by Ricardo Rocha (ankle), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) and Kevin-Prince Boateng (ankle).

Dimitar Berbatov is expected to shake off a slight knock he sustained playing for Bulgaria last week to partner Robbie Keane in attack.

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TeamNewcastle UnitedTottenham Hotspur
Games Played89
Goal Attempts  
Goals1316
Ave Goals per game1.621.78
Shots (excl blocked shots)81112
% Shots on Target43%37%
% Goals to Shots16%14%
Passing  
Short Passes2,2272,896
Long Passes507590
Overall Pass Completion %71%78%
Crossing  
Total Crosses210237
Cross Completion %20%24%
Defending  
Goals Conceded1018
Ave goals conceded per game1.252.00
Tackles185247
Tackles Won %77%74%
Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions471612
Discipline  
Fouls113109
Yellow Cards1212
Red Cards00