Magpies Could Be in for a Tough EFL Cup Defence Against Spurs

Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

The EFL Cup matchup between Newcastle United and Tottenham pits together two Premier League sides that have a puncher’s chance of winning this domestic cup this season, and this game is one of the top draws in the fourth round, besides the Liverpool-Crystal Palace game.

Newcastle United, who will host this game at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night, are the defending champions. Their title defence started with a 4-1 win over Bradford City in the third round, and Eddie Howe’s men are 12th in the Premier League standings with 12 points due to their inconsistent results.

Meanwhile, Tottenham also won a trophy last season in the form of the Europa League. However, a lot has changed since then. Thomas Frank has taken over the club, and the Spurs are third in the Premier League standings with 17 points. The Spurs are here after dispatching Doncaster 3-0 in the previous round.

 

Talking Points

Guimaraes remains invaluable for Newcastle United

Newcastle United are coming off a 2-1 win against Fulham last Saturday, as Bruno Guimaraes scored the matchwinner in the 90th minute after Jacob Murphy and Sasa Lukic exchanged goals. The Brazilian midfielder is among the Magpies’ top scorers this season with three league goals.

​It was revealed that head coach Eddie Howe has encouraged Guimaraes to play more up front this season, following the departure of Alexander Isak. With Joelinton and Sandro Tonali holding it down in the middle of the park, Guimaraes has done well in a more advanced role alongside Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga. 

Against the Cottagers, Guimaraes was the Man of the Match. Besides scoring the marginal goal, the Brazilian playmaker played the whole 90 minutes, completed 88-per cent of his passes, recorded six recoveries, three tackles, and won eight of 13 duels.

Guimaraes could come off the bench, as Howe will likely rotate his side. Elanga, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Aaron Ramsdale, and William Osula are among those expected to feature from the first whistle. The team will be without the services of Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Yoane Wissa, and Sven Botman due to injuries.

 

Tottenham need another big night from van de Ven

Tottenham won 3-0 against Everton yesterday, as their set-piece capabilities set the tone. Centre-back Micky van de Ven bagged a brace after heading the ball into the back of the net twice from Mohammed Kudus and Pedro Porro’s corners in the first half. Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr put the final nail in the coffin in the 89th minute with a header of his own from a Richarlison assist.

​Given the Spurs’ lack of depth at the moment, manager Thomas Frank could be forced to maintain much of the starting XI against the Toffees. If this is the case, Micky van de Ven should continue to feature heavily in the lineup, with Kevin Danso as his centre-half partner. Antonin Kinsky could feature between the sticks, while Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray will fight for spots in the starting XI. 

 

History

As mentioned, Newcastle United are the defending EFL Cup champions after they beat Liverpool 2-1 in the final. It was the Magpies’ first major domestic trophy in nearly six decades. As for Tottenham, they have lifted the EFL Cup on four occasions, with their last success coming in 2008.

Newcastle United are on a three-game winning streak against Tottenham, including back-to-back 2-1 results last season in the Premier League.

These two teams last clashed in the EFL Cup in December 2014, where Tottenham won 4-0 in the quarter-finals. They haven’t lost to Newcastle United in the tournament since 1976.

 

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP EFL Cup 2025 odds have the hosts advancing to the quarter-finals this Wednesday. Since they’re playing at home, Newcastle United are 1.72 favourites to win, whereas Tottenham are 4.21 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.54 in the 1X2 market.

The Spurs would’ve had a better chance of winning if it weren’t for their long injury list. Still, they should be able to put up a fight against the Magpies, and both teams will likely generate new EFL Cup 2025 highlights. Besides our recommended bet, bettors can also consider adding Over 2.50 at 1.76, Over 2.75 at 2.00, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.94 to the parlay. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of the Magpies – the result of their last encounter – is on offer at 7.10 your bet.

   

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