Mauricio's five-point preview - Newcastle

We'll cover Mauricio Pochettino's match previews in five points this season - next up, it's Newcastle United in the Premier League back at home on Sunday (4.30pm).

1 - Team news

First of all, how has the week been and how is the squad looking for Sunday?
Mauricio: “It’s been a very good week, using the time to do the work we need to be better and improve. I’m happy. The commitment of the players has been great. Sonny is going to be available and that’s another option. Dele, we have one training session left and then we’ll decide if he will be involved. The manager always wants players available to have the options to take decisions. We are happy, we are positive, and we hope to have a good game on Sunday. The three points are so important.”

2 - Erik Lamela

Erik Lamela has been through a lot in the last few seasons - you must be pleased with his start...
Mauricio: “Yes, I think it’s important for him to recover his feelings, to be consistent, scoring goals. It’s important for the team and for individual players who need to feel their game. Of course, I’m pleased for Lamela, pleased because he’s helping the team to achieve points. I’m looking forward to him being consistent over the whole season.”

3 - Heung-Min Son

Sonny is back from suspension, how has he been this week?
Mauricio: “He has trained hard to try to keep fit and try to improve in certain areas. It’s good because he’s increased the competition in the squad. We have a lot of offensive players now and that’s very good news for the team.”

4 - Newcastle

What do you expect from Newcastle on Sunday?
Mauricio: “After a difficult start, we don’t know if they are going to change something, but they will come here and try to be aggressive, try to be compact and in the Premier League, every game is different from one week to the next. The most important thing is us. We need to improve in the way we want to play and compete in the best way.”

5 - 500 games

Sunday represents 500 games for you as a manager, how does that feel?
Mauricio: “500 already! It’s unbelievable! It feels like yesterday that I started my career as a coach. My first official game was unbelievable. It was against Pep Guardiola, Barcelona in Montjuic (Espanyol’s former home at the Olympic Stadium, Barcelona) in the Copa Del Rey. It was a draw, 0-0. My first official game at Tottenham, very good memories, 1-0 at Upton Park in a very difficult game. Eric Dier in the last minute. I am so happy. I hope this season to lift a trophy. This is my dream.”