Newcastle v Tottenham

Just when you think you’ve seen it all from Newcastle United, they go and surprise you one more time with a development that nobody saw coming. They have become a well-organised side with the best defensive record in the Premier League. Nobody saw that one coming!

On Sunday afternoon the Toon Army defend their unbeaten record against a Tottenham side who have won four in a row themselves, with Harry Redknapp named as Manager of the Month for September. There really should be nothing between these two sides and the draw looks nailed on at a best price of 12/5 with SkyBet. That was how this fixture ended last season when Aaron Lennon grabbed a late equaliser to cancel out a Coloccini strike.

Tottenham have a poor record at St James’ Park having lost four on the bounce before that 1-1 draw back in January. But most of those results harp back to a time when Spurs were far less resilient. The Lilywhites have already shown their mettle away from home this season by winning tough assignments at Wolves and Wigan. But this will represent an even tougher challenge as they line up against a side who have conceded just four times in seven Premier League matches.

Alan Pardew is also given hope at the other end of the park by the form of new signing Demba Ba. The former West Ham hotshot has claimed four in his last two appearances. Spurs will be hoping that his threat will be nullified by the likely reappearance of Ledley King. Redknapp’s side have been winners the last eight times that the pivotal centre half has played.

With Adebayor possibly unfit for the visitors, there will be optimistic souls on Tyneside who will fancy another Newcastle win against the Londoners. But as well as Pardew’s side have done, the fixture list has been kind up till now. Spurs are only behind Newcastle in the league table because they have played both the Manchester sides, and one game fewer. They remain the more genuine Champions League aspirants. But counter that with Newcastle’s home advantage and the match looks very tight.

After the fine runs both these two teams have been on it seems unlikely that either manager would be unhappy with a share of the spoils. Mutual satisfaction at that prospect will only make the draw even more likely at 12/5 with SkyBet.