Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United and Pick to Win
Date:Sunday, August 13th 2017
Where: English Premier League Newcastle-under-Tyne, UK
by Keith, Professional Soccer/Football Handicapper, Predictem
Match Odds: Tottenham Hotspur 8/11, Newcastle United 5/1, Draw 31/10
Moneyline: Tottenham Hotspur -137, Newcastle United +500, Draw +310
Over/Under Best Market: UNDER 2.5 11/10 (+110)
The 2017/18 kick-off is back with a bang as the English Premier League welcome the Magpies of Newcastle back to the top flight after spending a season down below in the English Football League Championship. For the Magpies they are eager to play at the highest level of competition after earning a promotion from the English Football Championship at the conclusion of last season. The Tyne Army will take on the hosting duties for this one as Tottenham Hotspur will open up the campaign on the road in the North, away from London. For the Spurs, they have heightened expectations as they generated another Champions League qualification by virtue of a runner-up finish to fellow London club Chelsea in the 2016/17 season. The question remains will Tottenham finally take that leap into stardom or will they malinger in the top-four yet again? Newcastle can start off their weekend with a huge exclamation point and welcome back party if they can take advantage of home pitch orientation at St. James Park.
Overall, Newcastle United is a very tough team to beat at home be that they have the support of a robust and very animated fan base. The Spurs live and die by a similar convention as they hone the cheers of The Lane to power their side to victory in many pivotal affairs recently. This contest for Newcastle is a statement fixture and albeit it is only their first game since promotion. To encapsulate the 2016/17 campaign for the Magpies, they were simply the best. The Magpies would rack up 94 points and edge out Brighton and Hove Albion for the EFL Championship trophy. Overall, Newcastle United went 29-7-10 with a +45 goal differential.
While there may have been glimmers and spectacles on the pitch for Newcastle United, there was tragedy off-the-pitch as prominent midfielder Cheick Tiote passed away at the young age of 30. Tiote was instrumental in the resurgence of Newcastle United and his passing galvanized the community, team, and the players as the Magpies ascended back to the English Premier League. This is Newcastle Uniteds first game back since the tragedy and with it being at home, Tottenham should be weary as this bunch will likely come out swinging. After Tottenham, the Magpies have Huddersfield, West Ham, Swansea, Stoke City, and Brighton to comprise their next five fixtures so even a point here affords the Magpies a chance to hit the ground running.
Overall the Spurs have to be delighted with how their 2016/17 campaign panned out. The Spurs went 4-0-1 in their last five fixtures, winning their last two fixtures by a combined score of 13-2. Tottenham has found an offensive spark that when calibrated can be a nightmare to quell. However, this is a team that is subjected to let-downs. After defeating arch rival Arsenal 2-0 in the North London Derby, the Spurs would continue on to lay an egg against West Ham United in the follow-up. This loss ultimately sealed their fate as runner-up for the English Premier League as they were heavily favored to win this contest and score a critical three points.
While this is Week One of the Premier League, a similar set-up can be taking shape here in the Tyneside. As we have stated previously laying juice is always a dangerous move especially when the favorite is a road favorite. There is a tremendous amount of temptation to take the Magpies outright but we will stay conservative here and suggest a draw could offer the most value. With respect to this preposition, the UNDER at 2.5 goals offers upside at a price of 11/10 or +110. There is a very good chance a contrarian approach is what may be best suited here as many expect this one to be an offensive-oriented affair. All in all we stand to risk two units with a potential purse of 4.2 units.
Newcastle United Recent Form
W Barnsley 3-0
W Cardiff City 2-0
W Preston North End 4-1
L Ipswich Town 1-3
D Leeds United 1-1
Tottenham Hotspur Recent Form
W Hull City 7-1
W – Leicester City 6-1
W Manchester United 2-1
L West Ham United 0-1
W Arsenal 2-0
Keith’s Prediction for the Game: DRAW (31/10) +310 and UNDER 2.5 (11/10) +110
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