Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United LIVE updates: Son, Maddison and Trippier named to start as Ange returns to MCG turf

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 would be happy to see their teams out in their traditional colours, as Newcastle kick us off.

Newcastle are in the black and white stripes, while Spurs are in all white.

The crowd? A sea of white and dark blue/black.

After a lot of fire, trumpet playing and flag waving, we’re finally underway at the MCG.

Global football has taken the biggest stage in Melbourne on a brisk evening, and the fans are out in force.

Let’s hope for a good one (with no injuries!).

Spurs captain Son Heung-min is out in front as the crowd favourite so far.

Along the MCC side of the ground alone, I can see 10 or more “Son 7” Spurs jerseys and Son received a huge roar when his name was announced among the starters.

Son has a huge Korean following along with the legions of Spurs supporters.

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).

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 from both clubs are already finding their seats despite kickoff still being around an hour away.