Tottenham Hotspur - Newcastle United Preview: Pochettino's men welcome Magpies to White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur will have their big boys back for the visit of struggling Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Dreary draw followed up by European win

Spurs are still on their amazing run of 14 games unbeaten in the league, however they would have been disappointed to only draw at the Hawthorns against a bottom half team in the form of West Bromwich Albion. That was a second straight draw after the goaless outing with Chelsea the previous week, something they don't want to become a habbit.

Mauricio Pocchetino rang the changes for Spurs' most recent outing on Thursday, as they completed their Europa League group phase. Despite seven changes it was plain sailing for the Lillywhites as AS Monaco were brushed aside 4-1 at White Hart Lane courtesy of a first half hat-trick from Erik Lamela.

This game effectively starts the busy festive period with games coming thick and fast solely in the league. Also, this specific fixture has caused Spurs issues in recent years with the Geordies claiming a couple of White Hart Lane wins. If they are to make their ultimate ambition of a top four finish though, it's the type of game they have to win.

Opponent's look

It's been another season of struggle on Tyneside with early pressure mounting on head coach Steve McClaren as they face another relegation battle. Not many people will give them much hope for this one, however they didn't against high flying Liverpool last week and they beat them 2-0, showing anything can happen in this Premier League season.

Team news

There is only one real doubt to the regular team for Pocchetino with Moussa Dembele struggling with a stomach bug, which he has been all week.

Meanwhile, Eric Dier should be fit in the same area despite being taken off in the first half against Monaco, then you'd expect the likes of Harry Kane to return after being rested in Europe.

Newcastle meanwhile have had a fortunate week with no new injury concerns for McClaren who will most likely name an unchanged team for this one.