Spurs vs Newcastle - Mauricio's preview

Mauricio Pochettino knows we’re in for a test as we face Newcastle for a place in the last four of the Capital One Cup at White Hart Lane tonight.

The Magpies beat us 2-1 at the Lane in the Premier League on October 26.

That was the second match of a run of six-successive wins - five in the league and a 2-0 victory at Manchester City in the fifth round of the Capital One Cup.

Now we meet again with the lure of a Wembley final drawing ever closer.

“It’s a very important game for the club,” said the Head Coach.

“It’s an opportunity to go the semi-final of the Capital One Cup and to do that would be great for the club but we need a very good performance because we have a tough game against Newcastle, a team we respect.”

Things looked to be going our way back in October.

We dominated the first half and led 1-0 but Sammy Ameobi’s equaliser just eight seconds into the second half changed the momentum and Newcastle won it via Ayoze Perez’s header.

We ended with 66% possession and a shot count of 18-8 in our favour but it mattered little as the Toon went home with the points.

“That’s football,” reasoned Mauricio. “Every game is different and I think we’ve improved a lot since then.

“In football you need to be focused and ready to play. We are in a good moment but we need to show that on the pitch. I think we need to create a great atmosphere with our supporters and together, try to go to the semi-finals.”

Mauricio said the players were confident going into the tie, boosted by Sunday’s dramatic late win at Swansea.

“That was a great result for us, a big win and when you score in the last minute it’s exciting for everyone,” he added.

“We’re full of confidence and this game arrives at a good moment but now we need to confirm that and show our skill.”

LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING

There are a limited number of tickets remaining for this evening's match against Newcastle.

Fans are advised to book in advance using our online ticket service HERE and to select the 'print at home' option for tickets to avoid potential queues at the collection point on Paxton Road. Remember, we kick-off at 7.45pm.