Newcastle United will continue the defence of their EFL Cup trophy when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in a fourth round tie at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
The Magpies ended their 56-year trophy drought with victory in last year's final thanks to a 2-1 win over Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s side set up this tie with Tottenham courtesy of a 4-1 win over Bradford last month.
Since then, Newcastle have won four of their subsequent six matches across all competitions, the most recent of which saw them claim a last-gasp 2-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.
As for Spurs, they made light work of Doncaster in the previous round as they took a step closer to what would be a first EFL Cup triumph since 2008.
Impressively, Thomas Frank’s team lifted themselves up to third-place in the Premier League table by claiming a comfortable 3-0 win away at Everton on Sunday afternoon.
How the bookies view it: Magpies to march on
Newcastle – who have won each of their last three home matches – come into this fourth round showdown as firm 3/4 favourites with Boylesports.
Given that Tottenham boast the best away record in this season’s Premier League, the visitors look a little overpriced to take top honours here at 14/5 on BOYLE Sports.
The 90-minute draw – that would set up a penalty shootout – has been priced up at 11/4 on BOYLE Sports.
Head to head: History favours the hosts
Newcastle have held the upper hand in this fixture in recent years, triumphing in five of the last six meetings, including each of the previous three encounters at St James’ Park.
Players to watch: Harvey hot-streak to continue?
Having hit three goals across his last five appearances for Newcastle, Harvey Barnes holds plenty of appeal in the to score or assist market here at 5/6 with Bet365.
Richarlison could lead the line for Tottenham on Wednesday night, making the Brazilian forward worthy of consideration in the anytime goalscorer market at 21/20 with Bet365.
Predicted line-ups
As has been the case in recent weeks, Newcastle will again be without injured trio Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa. Fabian Schar should be restored to the starting XI alongside Anthony Elanga and the aforementioned Barnes.
Spurs boss Frank will almost certainly shuffle his pack on Wednesday night, though he will be without no fewer than nine first-team players due to injury.
Newcastle: Ramsdale; Krafth, Thiaw, Schar, Burn; Joelinton, Willock, Miley; Elanga, Osula, Barnes
Tottenham: Kinsky; Porro, Palhinha, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Tel, Richarlison
Anything else catch the eye?
With an entertaining encounter anticipated on Wednesday night, backing both teams to score looks worthy of support at 7/10 on BOYLE Sports.
This bet would have been a winning one in four of Newcastle’s last six home matches across all competitions, not to mention the same bet would have proven profitable in two of Spurs’ last three Premier League away games.
Elsewhere, Anthony Elanga was fouled twice in the previous round, so a repeat here looks a touch of value at 8/11 on Bet365.
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