Newcastle United – Tottenham

Hau’s wards will start the match better than their opponent.

One of the most intriguing matchups of the EFL Cup Round of 16 is scheduled to take place at St James' Park. Here, two Premier League representatives will meet in the Champions League. Newcastle started this year's tournament as the reigning champions. Last year, in the semi-finals, the team demonstrated its aspirations for the trophy by defeating Arsenal twice with a score of 2-0. In the final, the Magpies confidently overcame Liverpool at Wembley, winning 2-1. This year's EFL Cup campaign began for Howe's side in the previous round. On their home ground, the Magpies hosted Bradford City and confidently dispatched the League One representative with a score of 4-1. Tottenham, in the last EFL Cup competition, ended their run in the semi-finals, losing to Liverpool. However, their most significant victory came not on the national stage, but in European competition. The win in the Europa League opened the path to the Champions League for the London club, and a change of coach during the off-season has prompted the players to approach the Premier League differently, in which the previous season can be characterised as a 'failure'. In the last stage of the EFL Cup, Spurs comfortably beat Doncaster 3-0. Bookmakers have made the home side the favourites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.80 on their victory. Tottenham had one less day to rest and prepare for the EFL Cup than their opponents. Thomas Frank's team had a Premier League match scheduled for Sunday. The game in Newcastle marks the beginning of a hectic month for Spurs, during which they will face Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and PSG. Meanwhile, the midweek match at Louis II against Monaco showed that if Tottenham has taken a step forward in terms of organizing their play compared to last season, the positive effects are only seen sporadically. The Monegasques had 23 shots on Spurs' goal, and had they been slightly more fortunate, Tottenham could have left Monaco without a point. Overall, Spurs have struggled to maintain the pace of the season, winning only one of their last five matches. Newcastle enjoys higher stability, a longer preparation period for the match, home advantage, and four victories over Tottenham in their last five encounters.