View from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in North London
IT has been a big morning already for Tottenham with the news that they are set to sign a young Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
But there is also fascinating team news in Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI.
Brandon Austin, who turns 26 this week, starts in goal for his first-ever Spurs appearance with Fraser Forster ruled out with the illness bug that has affected the squad this week.
Yet James Maddison has been left on the bench – despite being suspended for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool and Postecoglou’s squad stretched to the limit.
It means he will have to hope to come on if he is to have a chance to impress watching England boss Thomas Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry.
Playmaker Maddison, 28, was due to start last Sunday’s game against Wolves but was ill on the day so was put on the bench, coming on as a second-half sub.
He then went out later that night to the darts with team-mate Brennan Johnson – though boss Postecoglou said he had “no problem” with that when asked about it on Friday.
Meanwhile, Sven Botman returns for Newcastle for his first appearance since March after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Welcome to Premier League LIVE SCORES
We have another afternoon of exciting action for you in the Premier League with some important fixtures at the top and bottom.
With Liverpool playing Man Utd tomorrow, the chasing pack have a chance to close the gap on the leaders.
Looking to build from their festive form, Newcastle play in the early kick-off as they travel to North London.
Sides will be putting their form to one side as they look to start 2025 in positiive fashion.
It is a chilly day up and down the country with fans hoping they see some football get them off their seats and keep them warm.
