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Can Newcastle give Steve Bruce his first-ever win vs. Jose Mourinho?

By Carson A Merk

Hull City's Steve Bruce (L) gestures next to Chelsea's Jose Mourinho (R) during a match in 2014. (Photo credit: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Hull City's Steve Bruce (L) gestures next to Chelsea's Jose Mourinho (R) during a match in 2014. (Photo credit: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Whether you like it or not, Newcastle United action will return this weekend after the international break. The Magpies will host Spurs as Steve Bruce looks to get his club out of their current tailspin by doing something he’s never done before.

Earlier in 2021, NBC Sports came out with a list of active Premier League managers that have squared off the most in their respective careers. Brucey was on that list multiple times, including his all-time series vs. Jose Mourinho. In his 12 matchups with the Special One, Bruce’s side has lost nine times and drawn three with ZERO victories. Tomorrow, Newcastle will hope to reverse that trend.

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Newcastle United: Miguel Almiron

He was able to make his return before the international break and should be in the starting XI vs. Spurs. Over the break, Miggy said in an interview on ABC Cardinal in Paraguay that he wanted to “play in a team that fights more”. I have zero issue with that statement, but if you’re going to make that comment, you better be ready to make an impact yourself.

His energy is always appreciated, but the club needs it’s second-most expensive signing ever to step up with some production in the final third.

Spurs: Harry Kane

Currently leading the EPL in goals and assists, Kane is enjoying some great form recently. He had a two-goal, two-assist performance vs. Crystal Palace back on March 7th and scored vs. Aston Villa ahead of the international break.

Then, he carried over his great form for Spurs and scored in back-to-back appearances for the England national team. He also mixed in a brace vs. Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of their Europa League matchup.

NUFC Availability Update

Bruce indicated that Allan Saint-Maximin could be involved and that he’s more advanced in his recovery than Callum Wilson. The manager is also thinking that Martin Dubravka will be okay to go vs. Spurs but said that “he hasn’t been very well.”

Keys for a Newcastle United Victory

  • Slow down Harry Kane

Easy enough, right? But, this is truly your best bet at stopping Spurs’ attack. He is obviously a prolific goalscorer, but he’s also done well to create for other players in the team like Gareth Bale. If Newcastle can at least limit his impact, they could have a nice showing defensively.

  • Don’t bunker down and play not to lose

Despite that being Bruce’s natural gameplan, Newcastle can’t afford to just sit back and hope for a 1-0 result vs. Spurs, the fourth-highest scoring team in the EPL. That puts too much pressure on the backline and with the current situation they find themselves in, this club needs a win, not a draw.

  • A goal from an attacking player 

For most clubs, this is a foregone conclusion. But, Newcastle United have only two goals in their last four matches and both have come from defender Jamaal Lascelles. Whether it’s Saint-Maxmin, Almiron, or Wilson or whoever else might start up top, the group that’s supposed to score goals needs to…SCORE GOALS. Perhaps another Joelinton stunner vs. Spurs?