Newcastle boss Steve Bruce knows they face a battle to get a result against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.
Newcastle having won only two of their last 18 league games to slip to within two points of the relegation zone.
In the circumstances, a home clash with Mourinho's Spurs, who have won on five of their last six visits to Tyneside, may not be the ideal fixture.
Bruce said: “Look, when you ever play against Jose's team, then you know first and foremost we're going to have to play well, and they had a decent result last time out.
“For me, Jose, the criticism that he receives is, in my opinion, ridiculous because here is one of the greats. Over the last 20 years, what he's done, what he's been and what he's done in the Premier League is there for everybody to see.
“They've got quality players in big areas of the pitch, so like always against the big teams, we'll have to play well."
