Newcastle United-Tottenham Hotspur Preview

Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte fully expects Newcastle United to be challenging for the Premier League title in the coming seasons.

Newcastle have made big inroads since their Saudi-led takeover went through last October and find themselves sixth in the table after 11 matches.

United's spending this year has been steady, but as the richest club in the world, Conte does not believe their glass ceiling ends with competing for the top four.

"You have to consider Newcastle for the future as a dangerous team, for the title and to win trophies," Conte said.

"They have had the potential to go into the market and to become one of the best teams in England.

"For this reason, many clubs have had to pay great attention because in my opinion I see Newcastle in the future being really dangerous."

Tottenham are five points better off than Newcastle in third place, making Sunday's contest in north London all the more important in the battle for European football.

While Eddie Howe is eager to focus on matters on the field, though, he has again had to defend the club's decision to return to Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather training camp.

United travelled to Jeddah in January for similar reasons and will be back in Riyadh in December when the Premier League pauses for the World Cup break.

Asked about the decision to travel to a nation with a human rights record that has been heavily criticised, Howe said: "We've made a football decision.

"We've looked at the World Cup break, what's the best thing for the team. The best thing for the team, I believe, is to take the team away like you would in pre-season.

"It allows us to get away from distractions, a chance to really train the group, enhance the team spirit with hopefully some good weather, so that's what we've done."

Tottenham - Harry Kane

Kane has scored nine goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season and has been involved in eight goals in his past five games against Newcastle in the competition. However, the prolific striker, who trails Golden Boot leader Erling Haaland by six goals, has only scored one home goal against Newcastle in six attempts.

Newcastle - Kieran Trippier

Returning to the club where he spent four successful seasons prior to departing in 2019, Trippier's set-piece prowess - and all-round game - could prove pivotal in this contest. The England international has created more chances from set-plays (16) than any other Premier League player this season, and more chances than any defender (26).

- Tottenham have won seven of their past 10 Premier League matches against Newcastle (D2 L1), winning both last season and scoring eight goals in the process (3-2 away, 5-1 home).

- Newcastle have won 10 away Premier League matches against Tottenham, their joint-most against a single opponent (also 10 v West Ham), although they lost 5-1 there last season.

- Tottenham have won each of their past eight Premier League home games, scoring 22 goals and conceding five. Only once have they had a longer such run in the competition, winning 14 in a row between November 2016 and May 2017.

- United have lost just one of their past six Premier League away games (W2 D3), though three of their five games on the road this season have ended level (W1 L1).

- Tottenham have lost two of their past four Premier League games (W2), as many as they had in their previous 21. Their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United was the first time they have failed to score in a Premier League game this season, while they last lost consecutive league games in February (a run of three).

Updated October 21, 2022