Newcastle United’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four remain in their own hands, despite Saturday lunchtime’s 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Eddie Howe’s side, for arguably the first time this campaign, were played off the park after a brace from Ollie Watkins and a Jacob Ramsey goal secured a deserved win for Unai Emery’s in-form men.
United’s defeat handed an opportunity for Tottenham Hotspur to draw level on points in the 3pm game, however they blew it after conceding a last-minute winner to Bournemouth in North London.
That 3-2 loss for Spurs has only increased the significance of Sunday’s match when the two clubs go head-to-head at St James’ Park. A win for Newcastle will open up a six-point ahead of the remaining eight games.
Even with three points against Tottenham, Howe will be aware there is still plenty of work to do. Third place Manchester United sit three points above, while Aston Villa (50), Brighton and Hove Albion (49) and Liverpool (47) aren’t completely out of the running after positive results on matchday 31.
From top spot all the way through to 20th, here’s a look at the updated final predicted standings from data published by FiveThirtyEight.
1. 20th: Southampton
Predicted points: 30, predicted goal difference: -34
2. 19th: Nottingham Forest
Predicted points: 32, predicted goal difference: -40
3. 18th: Everton
Predicted points: 33, predicted goal difference: -27
4. 17th: Leicester City
Predicted points: 35, predicted goal difference: -14