Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Maurya
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are set for a high-stakes EFL Cup clash at St. James’ Park, with the holders looking to continue their defence against a Spurs side grappling with a lengthy injury list.
This all-Premier League fourth-round tie promises fireworks, pitting two attacking-minded teams against each other in a competition that has become a serious priority for the Magpies.
Match Overview
The EFL Cup fourth round presents a compelling all-Premier League clash as Newcastle United host Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park. For Newcastle, this competition holds special significance as they enter the match as the defending champions, having beaten Liverpool in the 2024 final. Tottenham, under the management of Thomas Frank, will be looking to advance deep into a domestic cup competition—a feat that has often eluded them in recent years.
Both teams face the challenge of balancing squad priorities with the league and European commitments, but the teams they fielded in previous rounds suggest we can expect strong lineups for this knockout tie. The match kicks off on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, at 20:00 GMT and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and ITV for UK viewers.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
The historical context between these two clubs adds an intriguing layer to this fixture. Historically, Tottenham have held the upper hand, but recent encounters have told a different story.
| Competition | Total Matches | Newcastle Wins | Tottenham Wins | Draws |
| All Competitions | 62 | 28 | 25 | 9 |
| Premier League | 56 | 26 | 23 | 7 |
| EFL Cup | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
The overall head-to-head record is remarkably close, but Newcastle’s dominance in recent matches is undeniable. The Magpies have won five of their last six encounters against Spurs in all competitions. Most notably, they have emerged victorious in each of the last three matches between the sides.
The previous encounter in this competition, however, was a forgettable one for Newcastle—a 4-0 thrashing at White Hart Lane back in 2014. The Magpies will be eager to avenge that memory and extend their current winning streak against Tottenham.
Current Team Form and Analysis
Newcastle United
Newcastle United enter this match in a confident mood. They have won four of their last five games in all competitions, showcasing a potent attack that has scored 13 goals in their last six outings. Their form at St. James’ Park has been particularly strong, with five wins from eight home games this season. It’s worth noting that their three home defeats came against elite opposition: league champions Liverpool, pacesetters Arsenal, and Barcelona in the Champions League.
In this competition, Newcastle are a formidable force. They are currently on a seven-match winning streak in the EFL Cup, with Liverpool in 1995 being the last side to win eight or more in a row (11). Manager Eddie Howe has instilled a genuine belief in the squad, and with the backing of a passionate home crowd, they will be tough to beat.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been a mix of solid league form and European challenges. They are currently third in the Premier League standings and are coming off a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Everton. However, their biggest concern heading into this match is a lengthy injury list that includes key players like Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanka. With nine players currently unavailable, Spurs have the most injury concerns of any Premier League club.
Despite these absences, Tottenham have been resilient on their travels this season, remaining unbeaten in their seven away matches across all competitions (W4, D3). Their defence, however, has shown vulnerability, conceding at least one goal in five of their last six matches.
Key Players and Tactical Match-Up
Newcastle’s Lucky Charm
All eyes will be on Newcastle’s midfielder Joelinton, who has proven to be a thorn in Tottenham’s side. The Brazilian has scored more goals against Spurs than any other opponent for the Magpies, finding the net four times. Furthermore, he has been directly involved in nine goals in 18 League Cup starts (six goals, three assists), making him a potential difference-maker in this fixture.
Tottenham’s Attacking Threats
In the absence of Solanke, the attacking burden for Spurs is likely to fall on the shoulders of Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons. Both players possess the pace and technical ability to threaten Newcastle’s backline, which has shown some fragility at home, having conceded in four of their last six games at St. James’ Park.
Tactical Outlook
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle typically employs a high-pressing, attacking system that has been particularly effective against Tottenham in recent encounters. Thomas Frank’s Spurs, while organised, will need to find a way to break this pattern. The midfield battle will be crucial, and with Tottenham missing creative linchpins like Maddison, they may look to exploit the wings and deliver balls into the box.
Injury News
The team news could play a decisive role in the outcome of this match.
Newcastle United have a few defensive concerns. Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are confirmed absentees, while Sven Botman is a doubt after being substituted with a head injury against Fulham, though it has been confirmed as not a concussion. Yoane Wissa also remains sidelined.
Tottenham Hotspur’s situation is more severe. Their treatment room is currently housing nine players, including crucial attacking and defensive pieces like Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke. This extensive list of absentees significantly impacts their squad depth and quality.
Newcastle vs. Tottenham Prediction
Pre-Match Analysis
The Opta supercomputer, which ran 10,000 match simulations, rates Newcastle United as the favourites to win inside 90 minutes, assigning them a 51.7% chance of victory. The probability of the match being drawn and going to penalties is 24.6%, while a Tottenham win after 90 minutes is given a 23.7% likelihood.
This data aligns with the current form, historical head-to-head trends, and the significant injury issues plaguing the visitors. Newcastle’s formidable home record in this competition, combined with their psychological edge over Spurs, makes them the logical choice to progress.
Final Score Prediction
Considering all factors, we predict a 3-1 victory for Newcastle United. This scoreline reflects Newcastle’s attacking prowess at home, where they have scored more than once in each of their last five wins. It also acknowledges Tottenham’s fighting spirit and ability to score on the road, having found the net in all but one of their away games this season. A 3-1 win for the Magpies also continues the trend of high-scoring affairs between these sides.
For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the match, here are some informed betting tips:
- Newcastle to Win (Full Time): With odds of 3/4 at the time of tipping, this is the standout bet. Newcastle’s strong recent form, home advantage, and dominance in this fixture make them the clear favourites.
- Correct Score: Newcastle 3-1: For those seeking higher odds, a 3-1 correct score prediction was available at 12/1. This aligns with the final score prediction and seems a plausible outcome given both teams’ tendencies.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Given that both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently—80% of both teams’ last five matches have seen over 2.5 goals—this market has strong potential. Newcastle’s attack is firing, while Spurs have shown defensive vulnerabilities.
- Newcastle to Score First: The Magpies have taken the lead in all but one of their last six matches. Backing them to score first, as suggested in one preview, offers good value.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a thrilling EFL Cup encounter at a buzzing St. James’ Park. Newcastle United, with the weight of being holders and their formidable recent record against Spurs, enter as firm favourites. While Tottenham Hotspur’s spirit and away form cannot be discounted, their extensive injury list presents a monumental challenge against a Newcastle side that seems to have their number.
All signs point towards a home victory, likely with goals. Expect Eddie Howe’s men to take a significant step in their defence of the EFL Cup trophy.
