Newcastle United predicted starting XI vs Tottenham Hotspur as Fabian Schar & £12m star drop out

The Magpies head to North London as one of the Premier League’s in-form teams having won four consecutive games without conceding. As a result, Eddie Howe’s side have climbed to fifth in the top-flight table.

However, that defensive record will be tested today with Howe forced to change his centre-back pairing for the first time since the 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United on November 25.

Only on three occasions in the Premier League this season have Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not played together. But Schar is suspended for the visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after picking up a fifth yellow card in Monday’s 2-0 win at Manchester United.

With Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles also sidelined, Howe will decide between summer signing Lloyd Kelly and Sven Botman, who hasn’t make a senior appearance since March due to an ACL injury.

“Yeah I think the form of Dan and Fabian at the heart of the defence has been really strong, especially of late, I think we look good defensively so I think that is always a position that is difficult for us to rotate too much.

“I prefer to keep a settled back four and to not chop and change, I think the stability of your team is based on relationships but Lloyd is training hard, he’s training very well and he’s waiting for his chance.”

Howe has confirmed Kieran Trippier is fit and available, despite coming off on the hour-mark at Old Trafford.

Here’s how Newcastle are predicted to line-up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: