Bruce Up to the Spruce Up

Ten days ago only three points separated these two sides in the table. Newcastle haven’t become poor overnight, anymore than Spurs have become unstoppable.

The smart money is on the Geordies avoiding defeat at best odds of 6/5 with WilliamHill.

This is something they have achieved in six consecutive home matches and in all but 3 of 17 league fixtures at St James’s Park.

Mourinho made a point in the North London derby, but that was primarily that he can still grind out a result, sometimes, against opponents who are more comfortable in possession.

This will be an entirely different test. Without a victory in four on the road, can they show more than they did at Sheffield Utd, Chelsea, Burnley and Bournemouth? At the odds I need further convincing.