Newcastle United could take a huge step towards booking their place in the Champions League next season with victory over top-four rivals Tottenham. Eddie Howe's side could extend the cushion over the visitors on Sunday to six points with a game in hand to boot.
However, the Magpies will need to respond to the heavy defeat in their last outing against Aston Villa in a display which Howe described as the 'worst' of the season. Both sides will be looking for a response at St James' Park, with Tottenham conceding in stoppage time to lose at home to Bournemouth last weekend.
Newcastle will be looking to record the double over Spurs this season, following their statement victory in the capital in October. Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson netted in the 2-1 success which lifted Howe's side into fourth spot, and it was a victory which led to Alan Shearer giving his glowing assessment of their season so far.
READ MORE: Newcastle United look to avoid West Ham Euro woe as Eddie Howe sets 15-point home challenge
The club's all-time record goalscorer admitted he would 'love to be proved wrong', but he did not see Howe's side holding on to their place in the top four. The victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was Newcastle's first win away to a 'Big Six' side since the takeover, and Shearer could not hide his delight at the way his former side were starting to 'upset' the Premier League's elite.
He told BBC Sport: "I really didn't expect Newcastle to be in the top four after 12 games and, although I'd love to be proved wrong, I don't think they will still be there come the end of the season. But, while I am being realistic about their chances of making the Champions League places, I am still enjoying seeing Eddie Howe's side up there, playing so well, and getting big results like they did at Tottenham on Sunday.
"Their 2-1 win was another example of how Newcastle are starting to upset some of the big boys - and they don't like it. People know things are different now. They know Newcastle are coming, and they know they mean business."
Newcastle have eight matches remaining in their season, and the result against Tottenham will not determine whether one or the other will be playing in the Champions League next season. However, the Magpies could go a long way to proving Shearer wrong and Howe accepts the next match represents a 'big moment' in their campaign.
READ NEXT
Departures at Newcastle United expected as Eddie Howe drops 'elite' transfer hint
Newcastle told the ideal three transfer targets who would turn Magpies into 'top four staple'
-
Newcastle transfer rumours as Howe 'changes mind' on £50m 'target' and Portugal scout mission
Miguel Almiron 'in contention' to start powderkeg Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur
Steve Nickson makes intriguing return to Brazil on Newcastle United networking trip
