Newcatsle were denied derby-day victory last weekend when Asomoyah Gyan equalised for the Black Ctas in the fourth minute of injury time. The magpies coped well in that game without their star striker Carroll and chances are, that he will return for todays match. At St James' Park, th magpies are always a tough side to beat and to date, they have scored the second most goals at home and only manchester united have outscored them. They have swept aside Sunderland 5-1 at home, West Ham 5-0 and Liverpool 3-1.

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Tottenham managed to get a credible draw against leaders Manchester United last week but Van der Vaart was guilty of missing some guilt-edge chances towards the end. Furthermore, the ascend of Spurs this season can mostly been credited down to their dependable home form. Not so away from home though. Also, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last eight on their travels. This fixture has the tradition of ending in home wins and I do think the home side will be the happier fo the two today.

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Pick: Newcastle @3.45