Key posts
Who wins?
Spurs have lost three of their last four matches against Newcastle, including a 4-0 defeat away from home last month.
So, it’s looking good for the Magpies. Or, is tonight when Tottenham get one back?
Ange is on the turf
After an emotional video played on the big screens across the ’G, mapping big Ange’s journey from Socceroo coach, lifting up the Asian Cup, to Tottenham manager, the man of the hour walked out to a huge applause.
He waved at the crowd, all adoring here (even some of the United fans couldn’t help a clap).
Ange Postecoglou, coach of Tottenham Hotspur.Credit: Getty Images
Spurs leaders 2023-2024
Newcastle United leaders 2023-2024
‘I was waiting for you’: Ange, Archie reunite
By Roy Ward
Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou has enjoyed a laugh with his former Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson.
The pair worked together during Postecoglou’s time as Victory coach before he was recruited to lead the Socceroos.
Ange Postecoglou.Credit: Getty Images
Postecoglou was standing beside the Channel 10’s broadcast stage, waiting for his cue to join in for his pre-game chat and he immediately joked with Thompson, one of 10’s commentators, about his gift of the gab after the retired striker called Ange to join them.
Postecoglou replied: “I was waiting for you to stop talking.”
“I’ve been pretty fortunate in my career to work with a lot of players who left a mark and Archie is certainly one of the,” Postecoglou added.
Who wins?
Spurs have lost three of their last four matches against Newcastle, including a 4-0 defeat away from home last month.
So, it’s looking good for the Magpies. Or, is tonight when Tottenham get one back?
Fans flock to the MCG
By Marnie Vinall and Roy Ward
Outside the MCG is bustling as fans pour into the stadium.
Mostly Tottenham fans as there is a lot of dark blue and Spurs scarves.
A few soccer balls in sight and not a single sherrin.
A Spurs fan holds up a sign.Credit: Getty Images
On Swan Street, the sidewalks are busting with fans chasing some dinner or a drink before game time.
One local tweeted to express his shock at walking down to the pub with Spurs and Newcastle fans flooding the streets.
“They should start some sort of resident SMS alert,” he tweeted.
Fans arriving at the MCG
Fans from both clubs are already finding their seats despite kickoff still being around an hour away.
A family of Newcastle United fans head into the MCG.Credit: Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur fans walk into the MCG.Credit: Getty Images
Spurs, Newcastle name starters
The starting teams are in for both clubs.
Son, Maddison and van der Ven are among the starting 11 for Spurs while Isak, Joelinton and Kieran Trippier are among the starting team for Newcastle United.
Carlton stars join Tottenham fanfare but avoid breaking the ‘No Sherrin’ rule
Sam Walsh, Adam Cerra and a slew of Carlton players ventured down to AAMI Park on Tuesday night for Tottenham Hotspur open training, where they participated in a guernsey swap but didn’t break the “No Sherrin” rule.
Around 7500 fans braved the Melbourne cold to catch a glimpse of the Spurs stars in person, with the biggest cheers reserved for manager Ange Postecoglou, upon his return to his home city, and superstar captain Son Heung-min.
The appearance mirrored Postecoglou’s 2015 visit to Ikon Park, when he was the Socceroos coach and met with then-Blues coach Mick Malthouse and players, fresh off lifting up the Asian Cup.
Postecoglou is a lifetime Carlton supporter who in 2015 sat on a panel alongside Chris Judd, Ken Sheldon and others that selected Brendon Bolton to succeed Malthouse.
Carlton players, from left, with Ange Postecoglou (middle): Sam Durdin, Adam Cerra, Brodie Kemp, Sam Walsh, Elijah Hollands, and Ollie Hollands.Credit: Cristian Filippo
Ange defends Tottenham’s Australia friendly
Ange Postecoglou has responded to Kieran Trippier’s comment about Spurs vs Newcastle exhibition match in Australia.
Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier, who is expected to be in England’s Euros squad, questioned the timing of the trip.
“It’s crazy for Newcastle to go and play Spurs there on Wednesday night and then another game… It’s not ideal because it’s a tournament year.”
