Bruce to manage 1000th game
After Newcastle United were taken over by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, it was presumed that manager Steve Bruce would follow Mike Ashley out of the door to begin a brand new era at St James’ Park.
But the Geordie will lead his team out on Sunday in his 1000th game as club manager, an interesting sub-plot that only sport can provide.
Bruce met Amanda Staveley at the training ground at the beginning of the week and while rumours have swirled about the 60-year-old leaving the club, it has been decided that the owners don’t want to sack him before they find a new replacement.
Bruce is unpopular with the fans as he embodied the ambitionless Ashley era but he stabilised the club after receiving little backing by the previous owner.
Newcastle form
So far this season, the Magpies are yet to win, taking just three points from seven games and the first aim for the ambitious new owners will be to steer clear of safety.
St James Park is sold out on Sunday and the players will hope to feed off the atmosphere and feel-good factor.
Tottenham form
Tottenham responded to three consecutive defeats including a humbling from their north London rivals, with an important 2-1 win against Aston Villa prior to the international break.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have taken the fourth fewest shots this season and have the second worst expected goals difference in the league.
Stats
Newcastle are winless in their last four home league games against Spurs, while Tottenham have lost their last two away league games.
Leicester face Man United
On Saturday, Manchester United travel to the King Power stadium to face a Leicester City side who are without a win in their last four league games.
Injuries have hit the Foxes hard so far this season in defence while their attack has yet to get going either, apart from Jamie Vardy, who has scored six goals in the league this season.
Caglar Soyuncu and Jannik Vestergaard have made for a clunky and badly suited pair as Leicester have conceded in their last six league games.
Man United have defensive issues of their own, with Raphael Varane picking up an injury in the international break and Harry Maguire a major doubt.
The Reds have only kept one clean sheet in the league this season but are on the longest unbeaten away record in Premier League history, avoiding defeat in their last 28 away games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have won just two of their last six matches and need to start clicking if they want to pose a threat to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
