Tottenham vs Newcastle: can Erik Lamela impress yet again against the Magpies?

A look ahead to this weekend's fixture at White Hart Lane

Erik Lamela scored a hat-trick against Monaco on Thursday night (Reuters)

It’s a big game for…

Fabricio Coloccini: The Newcastle United skipper will make his 234th Premier League appearance for the Magpies on Sunday afternoon. Yet, this is by far his toughest period to-date. Dire performances and lack of commitment have suggested he isn’t up for the fight, however, Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Liverpool last weekend and a proper captain’s performance provides evidence that the 33-year-old Argentine has life left in the old dog.

Best stat…

8: Since the creation of the Premier League back in 1993, Newcastle have won eight of their 22 games at White Hart Lane. Proving the Geordie faithful may have a tense afternoon at the Lane.

Player to watch…

Erik Lamela: What is it people say about the ‘settling-in period’? The 23-year-old winger expertly placed all three of his goals against Monaco in the Europa League on Thursday night at the Lane. Since moving to Spurs in the 2013-14 season, Lamela has struggled to hold down a place in the starting line-up. However, they were his fifth, sixth and seventh goals of the season, already beating his record from the previous two seasons put together. Tottenham are starting to see the talented-prospect shine under Pochettino.

Past three-meetings…

Newcastle United 1 (Colback) Tottenham 3 (Chadli, Eriksen, Kane), Premier League, April 2015

Tottenham 4 (Bentaleb, Chadli, Kane, Soldado) Newcastle United 0, Capital One Cup 5th Round, December 2014

Tottenham 1 (Adebayor) Newcastle United 2 (Ameobi, Perez), Premier League, October 2014

Form guide…

TOTTENHAM: DWWDDW – Recently beating Monaco 4-1 at home.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: LDWLLW – Recently beating Liverpool 2-0 at home.

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 4:00pm, Sunday 13th December

TV: Live on Sky Sports