Tottenham Hotspur face Newcastle United in a high-profile pre-season friendly on August 3, 2025, at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, South Korea, kicking off at 12:00 PM BST (4:30 PM IST, 7:00 AM ET). This all-Premier League clash, part of both teams’ Asian tours, marks a final tune-up before the 2025-26 season begins on August 17. With Tottenham riding high and Newcastle struggling, this match offers insights into their readiness for the upcoming campaign.
Match Preview
Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, are unbeaten in pre-season (two wins, two draws), showcasing disciplined, attacking football. Their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in Hong Kong, sealed by Pape Matar Sarr’s sensational halfway-line goal, highlighted their organization and resilience. Frank’s 4-3-3 system, with a deeper defensive line, has integrated new signings like Mohammed Kudus and Luka Vušković, though the departure of captain Son Heung-min, who announced his exit after a decade with Spurs, looms large. This could be Son’s final appearance, adding emotional weight in his homeland.
Newcastle, managed by Eddie Howe, are reeling from three consecutive pre-season losses, including a 1-0 defeat to K-League All-Stars and a 3-2 loss to Arsenal. Off-field turmoil, particularly Alexander Isak’s absence amid a £120m Liverpool approach, has disrupted their attack, with no goals in their last two friendlies. Despite a strong core featuring Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Elanga, injuries and low morale hinder their preparations.
Head-to-Head and Form
Newcastle have dominated recent encounters, winning five of the last six Premier League meetings, including a 2-1 victory in September 2024 and a 1-2 win on January 4, 2025. However, Tottenham’s 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle in December 2023 shows their potential to exploit the Magpies’ defense. The last nine head-to-heads have produced three or more goals, averaging 3.7 goals per game, with no 0-0 draws in 59 Premier League meetings. Tottenham are unbeaten in four friendlies, while Newcastle’s three straight losses contrast with their strong 2024-25 Premier League finish (fifth, four consecutive wins).
Team News and Injuries
- Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski (hamstring), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Radu Drăgușin, Kōta Takai, Manor Solomon, and Bryan Gil are sidelined. Dominic Solanke (ankle) is doubtful but may feature off the bench. Son Heung-min, likely captaining, and new signings Kudus and Vušković are set to start.
- Newcastle: Joe Willock (unspecified injury) and Sven Botman (knee setback) are out, with Alexander Isak absent due to transfer speculation. Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, and Callum Wilson remain injured, but Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Fabian Schär return to bolster the lineup.
Predicted Lineups
- Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Antonín Kinský (GK); Pedro Porro, Cristián Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence; Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur; Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Son Heung-min (C); Mathys Tel.
Substitutes: Guglielmo Vicario, Brandon Austin, Luka Vušković, Ben Davies, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke (if fit).
Tactics: Frank’s deeper 4-3-3 emphasizes quick transitions, with Kudus and Son exploiting flanks and Tel’s pace stretching defenses. Sarr and Bentancur provide midfield dynamism, while Romero and Van de Ven anchor a solid backline. - Newcastle (4-3-3): Nick Pope (GK); Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier; Bruno Guimarães (C), Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon.
Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Lewis Hall, Lloyd Kelly, Lewis Miley, Sean Neave, William Osula, Harvey Barnes.
Tactics: Howe’s 4-3-3 relies on Guimarães and Tonali’s midfield control, with Elanga and Gordon’s pace on the wings. Osula or Neave may lead the line in Isak’s absence, but defensive frailties could expose them under pressure.
Predictions and Betting Tips
- Score Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle. Tottenham’s unbeaten run, home crowd support in Seoul, and Frank’s structured approach give them the edge. Newcastle’s attacking struggles without Isak and recent losses suggest they’ll concede, but their counter-attacking threat via Gordon or Elanga could produce a goal.
- Key Stats:
- Tottenham are unbeaten in four friendlies (W2, D2), scoring 7 goals.
- Newcastle have lost three straight friendlies, failing to score in two.
- Nine consecutive head-to-heads have seen 3+ goals; five of six had both teams scoring.
- Tottenham’s last eight home games (including Premier League) saw both teams score.
- Betting Tips:
- Over 2.5 Goals (-130 at BetMGM): Historical trends and both teams’ attacking intent suggest a high-scoring game.
- Both Teams to Score (+150 at Betano): Newcastle’s wing play and Tottenham’s defensive injuries make this likely.
- Tottenham to Win (+189 at 22Bet): Spurs’ form and home advantage in Seoul outweigh Newcastle’s current struggles.
Key Matchups
- Son Heung-min vs. Kieran Trippier: Son, potentially in his final Spurs game, faces his former teammate. His 10 assists and 15 goals in 2024-25 make him a threat to Trippier’s defensive flank.
- Pape Matar Sarr vs. Bruno Guimarães: Sarr’s energy and long-range threat (evidenced by his Arsenal goal) will test Guimarães’ ability to dictate midfield tempo.
- Mohammed Kudus vs. Dan Burn: Kudus’ dribbling and flair could exploit Burn’s lack of pace, especially on the right wing.
Sentiment and Fan Buzz
Tottenham fans are optimistic, with posts on X praising Sarr’s “outrageous” form and Frank’s tactical shift, though Son’s exit has sparked emotional farewells. Newcastle supporters express concern over Isak’s absence and defensive lapses, with some calling for Howe to “sort out the attack.” Analysts favor Spurs, citing their 4-0 pre-season record and Newcastle’s 0-3 slump, though the Magpies’ historical edge (four straight wins over Spurs) keeps hope alive.
How to Watch
- TV/Streaming: SPURSPLAY (Tottenham), NUFCTV (Newcastle), FanCode (India)
- Live Scores: FotMob, Sofascore, Xscores
- Kickoff: August 3, 2025, 12:00 PM BST (7:00 AM ET, 4:30 PM IST)
Outlook
Tottenham’s momentum and home support in Seoul make them favorites to edge a goal-heavy match, potentially sending Son off with a win. Newcastle’s talent, led by Guimarães and Elanga, ensures competitiveness, but their lack of attacking cohesion without Isak tips the scales. This friendly will test both teams’ readiness for the Premier League, with Spurs likely to claim bragging rights.
