The title race is over. The relegation race is over. There’s not a lot left to decide in the Premier League at this point beyond one spot in the top four and some potential shuffling of spots in the midtable reaches. There is, however, plenty of pride to play for, and that’s exactly where relegated Newcastle United find themselves as second-place Tottenham Hotspur come to town.
Tottenham vs. Newcastle 2016 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
It’s too late to save Newcastle, and Tottenham need one last win in a bad way.
Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Tottenham want to boost their own pride a bit after their recent slump cost them their shot at the EPL title, and they also find themselves in need of a win just to make sure they finish second. Fortunately for their fans, though, Spurs have been very good at picking up big wins when they need them. This would definitely be a big win indeed, and as long as Tottenham’s players treat it accordingly, Spurs fans should be celebrating one more time this season.
It’s the end of the world as we know it ...
This is the last time we’re going to see Newcastle in the Premier League for at least a season, with the Magpies having already been relegated earlier in the week when arch-rivals Sunderland beat Everton. The mood in St. James’ Park is sure to be unhappy, though fans will likely try to turn it into something of a celebratory wake instead of 90 minutes of doom and gloom.
Hopefully the players will be able to give their faithful fans something of a positive sendoff, and Rafa Benitez will want his side to put on a show in the season finale. No matter what the result, though, the final whistle will be a melancholy thing to hear for Newcastle fans as they prepare for the grind of a season in the Championship as their club chases promotion. Their fans deserve better -- hopefully Newcastle give it to them sooner rather than later.
... and I feel fine.
Things are much more positive for Tottenham, with second place all but assured -- though they still have to manage at least a draw in this match to lock it up. Points have been a bit tricky for Spurs to get of late, with no wins in their last three matches, including a surprising loss last weekend to Southampton. That’s left them just within range for their own arch-rivals, Arsenal, to be able to steal second place away from them, something no Tottenham fan wants to see happen.
Fortunately, Tottenham are remarkably healthy coming into the final matchday, if a bit tired as a squad. One last burst of focus and energy should be enough for them to get past Newcastle, even if the Magpies have gone five games without a loss. It’d be good to see Harry Kane get a goal or three as well, as he needs to pad his scoring numbers to make sure he finishes the season as the top scorer in the EPL. Such an achievement would be a huge feather in the cap for both Kane and Tottenham, and a decent salve for the sting of missing out on the EPL title.
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Vurnon Anita, Rob Elliot, Fabricio Coloccini, Massadio Haidara, Tim Krul
Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions
Out: Nabil Bentaleb
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
TV: USA Network (U.S.), Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
See More:
