Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park. The hosts are in need of some points as they try to shake off a five-game losing run, while Spurs must win if they want to keep their hopes of European qualification alive. Team news should be with us shortly.

NEWCASTLE: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Anita; Abeid, R Taylor, Colback; Gouffran, Perez, Cabella

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Woodman, Sterry, Kemen, Obertan, Ameobi, Armstrong, Riviere

Newcastle boss John Carver makes two changes after seeing his side lose 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield on Monday, with Yoan Gouffran replacing the suspended Moussa Sissoko and Fabricio Coloccini taking the place of Gabriel Obertan after serving a ban of his own.

SPURS: Vorm; Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Paulinho, Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela; Kane

SPURS SUBS: Friedel, Davies, Yedlin, Dembele, Mason, Townsend, Soldado

Meanwhile, Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino has brought in three new faces to his starting XI as Jan Vertonghen, Paulinho and Erik Lamela are all give the nod. Ryan Mason and Andros Townsend drop to the bench, while Vlad Chiriches misses out altogether. DeAndre Yedlin also takes a place among the substitutes.

Newcastle boss John Carver: "It's fantastic to have [Fabricio Coloccini] back this weekend. He's our captain, the leader of this football club and has been for a long time. Having him out there will give everyone - players and staff - a huge lift, and I'm sure we will get a huge performance out of him.

"Colo is a great presence in the dressing room and has brilliant leadership qualities on the pitch. He's a top player with huge experience that can help the younger players in the squad."

Mauricio Pochettino: "When you lose it is an easy explanation. In football we use a lot of those but it's not true. When you lose we need to be serious and analyse why. But it is difficult to explain sometimes why. It is true that different things happen during the season, we are up or down. But it is true that the last two games were not good. We need to improve."

© Getty Images

There is no denying that Newcastle have got themselves into a right old rut during the past few weeks. The Magpies have lost their last five games in the Premier League, leaving them seven points above the relegation zone. While it is unlikely that they'll be dragged into the battle for survival, they will want to put an end to their dismal run of form as soon as possible.

For Spurs, it's all about trying to build some momentum in their bid to qualify for Europe. The North-London outfit's dreams of reaching the Champions League look to be all but over, but that's not to say that they can't mount a late rally. However, one win in their last four league games tells you that they're struggling for form.

UPDATE! Today's early kickoff in the Premier League has just ended at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City have recorded a routine 2-0 win over West Ham United. While that result has no bearing on Newcastle, what it means for Spurs is that they are now 10 points adrift of fourth-placed City.

If you're looking for an on-the-whistle match report of today's game between Man City and West Ham, then look no further. We've got one right here.

They may not admit it, but the Spurs players will be eager to gain some revenge for their defeat at home to Newcastle earlier this season. The Magpies scored two second-half goals at White Hart Lane to record a rare win in the capital.

HEAD TO HEAD: Spurs have the superior record when it comes to past meetings between these sides, winning 62 times compared to 53 victories for Newcastle. Meanwhile, there have been a total of 31 draws since their first encounter.

There's been nothing to separate the teams in their last six clashes, with three wins apiece. Meanwhile, Tottenham's last victory in Newcastle came just over a year ago when they thrashed the Magpies 4-0 in the Premier League.

Photo: @hkane28 on the ball as the players continue with their warm-up at St. James' Park. #COYS pic.twitter.com/C8gKeOD96t — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 19, 2015

How important will Harry Kane be for Spurs this afternoon? The striker has scored 29 goals in all competitions for his team this season, though he has failed to find the net in his last two appearances, which constitutes a mini-crisis for the youngster. John Carver will be hoping that his players shut Kane out again this afternoon. For the record, Tottenham have lost just one of their last nine Premier League away games against sides from the North East.

PREDICTION TIME! Both of these teams are in need of the points, but it would not be a big surprise if Spurs leave St James' Park with the three points this afternoon. Newcastle are in a terrible slump at the moment, while the added quality that the visitors have at their disposal might make that bit of a difference.

Newcastle might also have to contend with a fair few empty seats among their fans this afternoon after it emerged that some home supporters are planning to boycott the match in protest of how Mike Ashley is running the club. It was revealed earlier this week that the club has around £35m in the bank, yet it doesn't look like any of that is going to be spent anytime soon.

The players are starting to emerge in the tunnel at St James' Park as we edge closer to kickoff. Not long to go now...

KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be visitors Spurs to get us underway. Here we go!

It's been a confident start to the game for Spurs, who are controlling possession during these early stages. The away side win themselves a corner when Coloccini thwarts Kane, but the set piece comes to nothing in the end. Going back to the protest by the Newcastle fans, there are a few pockets of seats that are currently unoccupied.

Newcastle have started to get into a bit of an attacking rhythm in the last couple of minutes, though a pair of crosses from out wide lack quality and Spurs deal with the danger comfortable.

A bit of a worry for the visitors here as Kane receives treatment following an aerial duel with Anita. The striker looked to take a knock on the head there. Kane seems to be okay to continue for now.

There hasn't been much in the way of a flow to this match so far. It's all very cagey, particularly in midfield. Both sets of players are scrapping away for supremacy, though no-one is able to take control. Spurs have enjoyed 65% of possession since kickoff, but they've not really done anything with it.

Newcastle have to be alert at the back as Rose makes a marauding run down the left before hitting a low cross into the near post, but Gouffran does well to clear the danger.

CHANCE! First proper opening of the day falls to Newcastle as Perez meets Gouffran's cross from the right, though his effort is kept out with a smart save from Vorm. The Spurs goalkeeper had to have his wits about him there because Perez's strike was first-time.

We're used to hearing a superb atmosphere inside St James' Park, but the reduced size of the crowd this afternoon is certainly having an affect on this game. The action remains sporadic, with little happening in the way of exciting attacking football.

Here's @Coco_Lamela on the ball during the first half. It remains 0-0. #COYS pic.twitter.com/RN1GrRcr78 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 19, 2015

This game continues to plod along at an uninspiring pace. John Carver recently said that performances don't matter for his side anymore; all he wants is wins. Just as well, because Newcastle have been poor so far. Tottenham haven't been much better, but they've probably shown a bit more desire to get forward and make something happen.

It's the Spurs fans who are making all of the noise at the moment as they try to urge their team on. The Magpies win a free kick out on the right that is whipped into the box by Taylor, only for Williamson to nod over the crossbar. To be fair to the defender, that was a hard chance to get right.

This game has lacked excitement so far, but Nacer Chadli has scored a great goal to give Spurs the lead. The midfielder creates some space for himself about 25 yards out before drilling a low drive past Krul and into the bottom corner. Could he have been closed down quicker? Probably. Still, the visitors land the first blow.

Newcastle have it all to do now. Seven points currently separate them from the relegation zone, but another defeat this afternoon may well get a few alarm bells ringing on Tyneside. The Magpies are in need of some inspiration in the final third because they've been lacking so far.

14 - Nacer Chadli has now been involved in 14 goals (nine goals and five assists) in 30 PL appearances this season. Effective. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 19, 2015

Newcastle are starting to put a bit of pressure on Spurs as we enter the final 10 minutes of the half. However, they're a bit too predictable up front, allowing Tottenham to keep them at arm's length. Perez certainly needs more help in attack. The youngster, for all of his raw talent, has been starved of service this afternoon.

YELLOW CARD! Kevin Friend reaches for his pocket and books Colback for a foul on Vertonghen. It wasn't a malicious challenge, but the midfielder had been warned a couple of times before that incident.

Great defending from Fazio, who dispossesses Colback right on the edge of the Spurs box following a swift counter-attack by the hosts. The Argentine stayed on his feet and made sure that Colback wasn't allowed to go anywhere.

SAVE! Krul is forced into action as Kane has a crack from a difficult angle on the left. The shot is hit sweetly, but Newcastle's goalkeeper stands tall to palm it away. Play continues, but the yellow card comes out again soon after for Lamela's late tackle on Anita.

There will be at least ONE MINUTE of added time...

A few boos ring out around St James' Park as Kevin Friend blows the half-time whistle. Spurs lead 1-0 thanks to Nacer Chadli's goal on 29 minutes. It has been a poor match so far, that's for sure. The visitors have probably been the better side, though that's not saying much.

There was a severe lack of quality up front from both teams during that opening half. Chances were few and far between, while there was a general dearth of creativity and inspiration in the final third. It's been cagey, let's put it that way.

UPDATE! The full-time whistle has just gone at Wembley Stadium, where Aston Villa have come from behind to earn a 2-1 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals. What a result that is for Tim Sherwood and his players. They will face holders Arsenal in next month's final.

Truth be told, it's difficult to see how Newcastle are going to turn this around in the second half. Would they take a point now? You bet your life they would.

Another goal for Spurs would almost certainly kill this match off, and that's probably what Mauricio Pochettino is telling his players right now. The visitors have been off-key so far, though they've still looked the better team. They've battled well in midfield, but it's when they advance higher up the pitch that they start looking a bit flat.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out for the second half and it will be Newcastle to get us going again. The hosts have made two changes during the interval, with Ameobi and Obertan replacing Gouffran and Abeid.

Newcastle scored within the first minute of the second half in the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane earlier this season, and they done the same again this afternoon! Jack Colback is the man who gets the goal, sweeping home inside a crowded box after an initial effort had been saved by Vorm.

Obertan is lucky to get away with a booking there after clattering into Rose. The midfielder really threw himself at the Spurs full-back, but Kevin Friend deemed it a fair challenge. This game has got a bit more spice about it now following that equaliser.

The home side's resurgence is short-lived as Spurs regain the lead through Christian Eriksen. It's a horrible goal to concede from a Newcastle perspective as Eriksen's free kick from the left misses everyone before catching Krul out and nestling in the far corner.

CHANCE! That really should be 3-1 to the visitors as Chadli races down the left before sending a cross into the box. Bentaleb gets there in front of his marker, but the midfielder somehow nods over from close range.

It's all Tottenham now as we head towards the hour mark. The away side are putting more and more pressure on Newcastle. It looks as if Mauricio Pochettino's men are starting to find a bit of swagger when they get forward, which could be bad news for the hosts.

3 - Christian Eriksen has scored his third direct free-kick goal this season, more than any other Premier League player. Whip. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 19, 2015

John Carver isn't looking too worried down on the touchline, though he knows that a sixth consecutive defeat would ramp up the unrest among supporters on Tyneside. Meanwhile, Vertonghen gets his name in the book for a foul on Perez.

YELLOW CARD! Now it's Newcastle winger Cabella who is booked following a foul on Lamela.

SAVE! Spurs squander another chance as Kane is denied by a superb stop from Krul. The striker arrived in the box to divert a corner towards goal, but there was the Newcastle goalkeeper to make a point-blank save. How did that not go in?!

The visitors can smell blood now. Newcastle are being forced further and further back. The home side are struggling to get on the ball. While this game remains in the balance, only one team looks like scoring the next goal.

CHANCE! The opportunities keep coming for Spurs as Chadli scoops a pass over the Newcastle defence for Kane, who takes a touch before slipping and seeing the ball go out for a goal kick. The visitors are currently enjoying 60% of possession. Can they convert it into an all-important third goal?

SAVE! Krul comes to Newcastle's rescue again as he denied Lamela. The Spurs midfielder is played in by Bentaleb, but his attempted clip over the goalkeeper is pushed away by Krul.

NEWCASTLE SUB: The Magpies make their final change of the afternoon as Adam Armstrong takes the place of Anita. Just under 15 minutes of normal time remaining.

SPURS SUB: The away side make a change now, with Mousa Dembele entering the action in place of Chadli.

Newcastle have 10 minutes to salvage something from this game and they're starting to have a go at Spurs. Cabella is at the heart of their latest move before finding Janmaat, but his speculative drive goes high and wide.

SPURS SUB: That's the end of Rose's afternoon as he comes off for Ben Davies.

CHANCE! How have Spurs not put this game to bed? The away side threaten again as Fazio meets a corner from the left, but the defender ends up poking the ball wide after seeing his initial header blocked.

YELLOW CARD! No complaints for Bentaleb as he goes into the book for a cynical foul on Perez. Meanwhile, Ryan Mason replaces Paulinho.

Game over now as Harry Kane nets his 30th goal of the season to make it 3-1 to Spurs. With the hosts committing so many men forward in search of an equaliser, the away side hit them on the break. Kane does most of the running, going clear through on goal before calmly slotting past Krul. There will be three minutes of stoppage time.

A chorus of boos rings out around St James' Park as Newcastle are condemned to a sixth consecutive defeat in the Premier League. It wasn't a classic, but Spurs will be pleased to leave the North East with the points thanks to a 3-1 triumph.

That's all from our live text coverage of this afternoon's match, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!