If this EFL Cup had been happening a 12 months in the past, it’d imply one thing fairly totally different to Tottenham and Newcastle United, however that does not imply that it isn’t a significant one. The Magpies are the reigning champions of this event, whereas Tottenham additionally ended a trophy drought by lifting the Europa League, however each groups have rotation considerations whereas balancing Champions League play, but it surely’ll nonetheless be an vital conflict for each in pursuit of back-to-back seasons successful a trophy.
How you can watch Newcastle United vs. Tottenham, odds
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: St. James’ Stadium — Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
- Dwell stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Newcastle United -165; Draw +290; Tottenaham +380
Early on this marketing campaign, Tottenham are difficult Arsenal for his or her title as “Set Piece FC,” but it surely’s additionally papering over cracks of their assault. Solely Chelsea and Arsenal have scored extra objectives than Tottenham’s 5 from dead-ball deliveries amongst top-tier English golf equipment, and Van De Ven has had a monopoly on these scoring three of his objectives in Premier League play from these conditions. However relating to general attacking efficiency, Tottenham have scored 17 objectives within the league from an xG of solely 10.08. Whereas set items have been a significant assist, any competitors is an opportunity for Thomas Frank to work on the place his staff is falling brief in open play.
Frank’s Brentford facet additionally took benefit of set performs whereas additionally hitting groups on the counter, however Tottenham have not been in a position to do this with the midfield struggling to create possibilities. An away journey to face Newcastle will not assist with these issues both. Eddie Howe has responded to dropping Alexander Isak by making the Magpies a extra defensively stout facet. They’ve allowed an xG of seven.27 in Premier League play, second behind solely Arsenal.
Due to that, it is a recreation that can imply a bit extra to Frank’s Tottenham than Newcastle, however that does not imply that Howe will not wish to win as effectively. Newcastle have six factors from their first three Champions League fixture, whereas Tottenham have 5 factors from their three fixtures. Each are on the proper path to advancing out of the league section, however Tottenham’s overperformance is a trigger for concern.
Van De Ven is their main scorer in all competitions forward of Richarlison with three objectives. Richarlison additionally hasn’t scored in his final seven appearances in all competitions after a sizzling begin to the season. It is not one thing that’s nice when Dominic Solanke is injured and Randal Kolo Muani has additionally but to attain his first aim for the membership. If something, it is spectacular that Tottenham’s defensive enchancment has been capable of get them thus far, but it surely can also solely final for as long as the season continues.
Determining the correct midfield configuration to take Spurs to the subsequent stage must be on the prime of Frank’s to-do record, and cup matches are good instances to strive new issues in that facet. Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall have had their moments as 10s, however neither has executed the job as a box-to-box midfielder. Somebody who may get a shot is 19-year-old Archie Grey. A extremely rated recruit final season, Grey performed a full 90 at left again within the Champions League in opposition to Monaco, however his two-way capacity may get an opportunity dealing with Newcastle United.
If he is capable of assist Tottenham get previous Howe’s stout protection, the path to extra taking part in time is a straightforward one, however the former will not be a straightforward job with a spot within the final eight of the cup on the road.
