Newcastle United host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon knowing that they need to halt a run of five successive defeats to ease the increasing unrest at St James' Park.
Spurs make the trip to the North-East having failed to score in their last two games, but they require three points to boost their hopes of a place in the Europa League.
Newcastle United
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When he replaced Alan Pardew as the club's new manager, John Carver would have been aware of the risks involved at his hometown club, but the 50-year-old probably didn't foresee his side producing such inept displays on a regular basis.
Carver's reign started solidly enough but ever since their 3-0 win away at Hull City, the Magpies have arguably been the worst team in the division and if it wasn't for their renaissance under Pardew in the back end of 2014, they would be scrapping for their Premier League status.
Newcastle should have enough to comfortably remain in the top flight, but Carver needs to see performances improve to maintain a glimmer of hope of being in charge next season, or at the very least, lift the mood of the club ahead of the summer.
Fortunately for Carver, a home game against Spurs is their hardest test of the run-in, but they still need a positive result to end a run of five successive defeats.
The 1-0 defeat away at rivals Sunderland was met with anger and frustration by the club's supporters, and after it was revealed that money has been held back rather than being invested in new players earlier in the season, a boycott could take place this weekend.
However, the lack of backing is unlikely to benefit a team who have scored twice in seven games, and Newcastle will need to find some passion from somewhere in order to satisfy their fans' expectations for the rest of the season.
Recent form: WLLLLL
Tottenham Hotspur
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When Spurs were eliminated from the Europa League before the end of February, it was believed that it would benefit their pursuit of fourth place, but even with a lighter schedule, the North London outfit have looked jaded in recent weeks.
After barely seeing off bottom-placed Leicester City in a seven-goal thriller, Mauricio Pochettino's side lacked a cutting edge in the final third against Burnley with the game eventually ending in a 0-0 draw.
A response was expected at home to Aston Villa last weekend, but again, Spurs couldn't trouble the scorers and it was Villa who registered a narrow 1-0 win.
Spurs had previously encountered problems in their defence, but while that side of their game has improved, they have looked disappointing in and around the penalty area.
For much of the season, Harry Kane has shouldered most of the responsibility in front of goal, but when he doesn't find the back of the net, Spurs don't pose much of a threat.
The England international has netted 11 of the last 17 goals scored by Spurs, but the signs are there that he may finally need a rest. However, with Roberto Soldado out of form and Emmanuel Adebayor not being considered, Pochettino has little choice but to extend Kane's run in the team.
Spurs will need Kane to rediscover his touch in front of goal if they are to make the top six. If he fails to do so this weekend, they could find themselves as many as five points behind Southampton.
Recent form: WWLWDL
Team News
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Newcastle will restore captain Fabricio Coloccini to their defence after the Argentine completed a three-match suspension.
Siem de Jong could also be involved for the first time since August, but Moussa Sissoko and Papiss Cisse are banned.
Spurs will hand a recall to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris providing that the Frenchman can come through a late fitness test on a knee problem.
Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen are also doubts as they continuing to suffer with a toe injury and illness respectively.
Winger Erik Lamela is a possible starter if Pochettino opts to freshen up his side after two games without a goal.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Krul, Taylor, Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Colback, Anita, Gutierrez, Cabella, Obertan, Perez
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Vorm, Chiriches, Dier, Fazio, Rose, Bentaleb, Mason, Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli, Kane
Head To Head
In 130 meetings between the two clubs, it's Spurs who hold the upper hand, winning 57 fixtures compared to 46 victories achieved by Newcastle.
The last six matches have been even, with both teams registering three wins but failing to achieve back-to-back successes.
Earlier in the season, Newcastle prevailed 2-1 in the league contest at White Hart Lane before Spurs got their revenge with a 4-0 win in the Capital One Cup.
We say: Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
A boycott has been threatened at St James' Park but the fans who do attend will be demanding an improved display from their side. However, while the Magpies can only get better, Spurs should be able to take advantage of an inconsistent defence to run out the victors.
Darren Plant
