Newcastle and Spurs both need to reignite spirit at St James’ Park

Hosts Newcastle United (21/10 for victory with Coral) and guests Tottenham (11/8 match favourites) may be separated by 19 Premier League points, but seem to be suffering from the same end-of-season malaise, despite both clubs still having much to play for.

For the midtable Magpies, only now nine clear of the relegation zone, it may just be a matter of ending their shambolic season with pride. Having seen former coach Alan Pardew lift Crystal Palace two places above them, the troubled Tyneside team are aiming to record their first league win in five.

It looks certain that there will be a St James’ Park shake-up in summer, as Coral experts assess here, but the Magpies must show motivation to end their campaign strongly, amid talk of supporter unrest.

Without midfield engine Moussa Sissoko and poacher Papiss Cisse, who are both banned for this battle, Newcastle must turn to talented attacker Ayoze Perez, who drew first blood in the reverse and is excellent value at 8/1 to finish the scoring again.

The Tenerife-born striker is still learning his trade, but has the potential to become a Toon hero, and looks Newcastle’s best shout to trouble Tottenham at 11/4 to strike anytime.

As the hosts have hit just two goals in their past seven outings, French forwards Emmanuel Riviere and Yoan Gouffran, who are 11/4 and 5/1 in the anytime market respectively, will also be aiming to end the drought.

Spurs, meanwhile, have seen hopes of securing a Champions League spot slip away, and could also miss out on a Europa League spot if their poor form continues.