So far so good for Harry Redknapp and Tottenham during the festive period after their battling 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day placed them fifth in the table, just seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United.
Redknapp pointed out that Spurs are 33-1 to win the title after the victory at Villa Park, and while they still seem to be some way off mounting a serious challenge for the Premier League crown, another three points against Newcastle at White Hart Lane will certainly stand them in a strong position at the half way point of the season.
Bouncing back
Newcastle, meanwhile, did not fare so well on Sunday, as Alan Pardew lost his first game at the club - his second in charge - in the 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City.
The Magpies' last visit to White Hart Lane saw them lose 1-0 to a solitary Darren Bent goal on their way to relegation to the Championship, but the Tyneside club have enjoyed some success on their travels to N17, winning the two previous meetings at the ground, scoring seven goals in the process.
Newcastle's last victory in north London back in March 2008 saw them run out 4-1 winners, with Nicky Butt, Geremi, Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins getting on the scoresheet, and while the personnel has dramatically changed, Pardew will have his fingers crossed for a similar result.
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham
Jermain Defoe is suspended after picking up a straight red card against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, ruling him out of the festive period's fixtures.
Rafael van der Vaart returned to the side to score twice at Villa Park and may not be risked as Harry Redknapp eases him back to full fitness.
William Gallas is still a week away from a return, while Tom Huddlestone is also ruled out.
Possible starting XI: Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Bale; Crouch, Pavlyuchenko.
Newcastle
Kevin Nolan's yellow card at St James' Park on Sunday was his fifth of the season and he will miss the trip to White Hart Lane with the ban.
Otherwise, Alan Pardew may name an unchanged side to the one that lost 3-1 to Manchester City.
Possible Starting XI: Krul; Simpson, Coloccini, Taylor, Jose Enrique; Routledge, Guthrie, Tiote, Barton, Gutierrez; Carroll.
Prediction
Tottenham's strength in depth will be pushed to the limit by Newcastle, who usually fare well at White Hart Lane, but with Nolan missing from the Magpies' travelling squad, the home side should triumph, though it may not be entirely comfortable.
Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle 
