Fri 15 October 2021, 11:15
Tottenham HotspurWe're back after the international break for a fascinating clash against Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James' Park on Sunday (4.30pm) and that means N17 Live presenter Ben Haines and Club Commentator Rob Daly are also back with Ben & Rob's preview - take it away, chaps...
Glad to be back!
It will be a fortnight on Sunday since we last stepped out in Premier League action and that vital victory against Villa...
Rob: "I'm anxiously waiting to see how the players are after the international break before getting a real feel for the Newcastle game. Obviously there may be some injury, illness and selection issues - we'll see what Nuno Espirito Santo says. Regardless, the two wins before the break were most welcome and some of the group have gone away and had a great time on international duty which will help, including Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg qualifying for the World Cup with Denmark and the captain picking up another major international honour with France! Hugo Lloris was excellent in the UEFA Nations League final. He's been great this season - and an additional mid-season boost won't have done any harm."
Ben: "Okay, so... it's really good to be back, although it's very much our luck to be the first team to face a Newcastle side that is now swept up in a tidal wave of footballing optimism. Having said that, there were so many positives to come from the Villa game I'm hoping that we take them on. Team-wise, I'm praying to our lucky stars that we've come through the international break unscathed and that all of the players back at Hotspur Way have had some really fruitful and intense sessions and are feeling fighting fit and ready to go!"
The Toon
We're first up at St James' Park following Newcastle's recent takeover, what can we expect on Sunday?
Ben: "Newcastle will be full of energy knowing the eyes of the world are on them. Having said that, I always feel we're at our very best when we are out to spoil the party. So many times over the years when people have doubted Spurs we've gone and dominated games. A big part of me wants to see the approach we took with Chelsea in the first half for 90 minutes, even if we tire, just to take the game to them and try to blow them away. The atmosphere there will be unbelievable, either way this game will be remembered for the foreseeable future, and it's always best to be on the right side of history - three points please!"
Rob: "I'm sure St James' Park will have a very different energy to it this weekend. Newcastle are obviously being linked with every big name player under the sun - but they can't sign them before Sunday! Harry Kane has four goals in his last two games at Newcastle and he'll be desperate to end his wait for a first Premier League goal of the season."
Black, white and Lilywhite
Random question time! There have been so many legends who have played for both teams down the years - Chris Waddle, Gazza, Les Ferdinand, David Ginola, Jermaine Jenas - who is your favourite?
Rob: "It has to be David Ginola. I know the Barnsley goal is one that always get replayed but I loved the goal against Chelsea in May 1999 in a 2-2 draw. Frank Leboeuf losing the ball, Ginola pouncing to pick it up before tying Marcel Desailly up in knots. Then, for some reason, rather than driving for goal, he shoots from the edge of the box catching out the keeper who doesn't move. A Mitre ball hitting a shallow White Hart Lane net - glorious stuff!"
Ben: "Ginola was one of those players I adored at Spurs. He just captured the imagination and had that beautifully memorable running style - shirt untucked, long hair flowing, great off either foot, dribbling at people for fun and an absolute rocket of a shot. What a player!"
