Newcastle United Pursue First Premier League Win Against Spurs

Newcastle United head to North London on Saturday still hunting their first Premier League victory of the season, and they do so with a sense of frustration already simmering.

Twice they led at home to Liverpool. Twice they were pegged back. A stoppage-time penalty denied them what would have been a statement win and left Matthias Jaissle with only a point to show for a bold, front-foot display.

The response in midweek was exactly what he needed. A wild 3-2 Carabao Cup win over West Bromwich Albion steadied the mood and hinted at the attacking depth now at his disposal. But Tottenham away is a different kind of examination.

Injuries bite, but new faces step forward

Jaissle will again be without his newly-appointed captain Dan Burn, who continues his recovery from ankle ligament damage. Joelinton, sidelined by a groin problem, and Tino Livramento, out with a calf injury, also miss the trip, stripping Newcastle of experience and drive in key areas.

William Osula remains unavailable as he nurses a foot injury, so the manager must once more do without a natural focal point he clearly rates.

The encouraging news comes from Bazoumana Toure. The summer signing scored against West Brom despite “feeling a bit of pain” during the tie, and he is expected to be fit enough to feature on Saturday. His presence gives Newcastle a direct, aggressive option on the left, where competition is suddenly fierce.

Nico Gonzalez is the headline act among the new arrivals. Unveiled to supporters as a £50 million signing from Manchester City before the West Brom win, the midfielder could make his Newcastle debut at Spurs. If he starts, one of Lewis Miley or fellow new signing Sean Steur is likely to step aside, a significant call for Jaissle so early in the campaign.

Selection battles across the front line

Anthony Elanga has made a strong early case for himself. The winger, who opened the scoring against Liverpool, is expected to keep his place on the right ahead of Jacob Murphy, offering pace and direct running on the counter.

On the opposite flank, Harvey Barnes and Toure are locked in a straight fight for the left-wing role. Barnes underlined his finishing instincts with a brace against West Brom, while Toure brings raw power and vertical threat. Jaissle’s choice there will say plenty about how aggressively Newcastle intend to attack Spurs’ full-backs.

With Osula still sidelined, Nick Woltemade is set to retain his spot up front. The tall forward will again partner Yoane Wissa, whose movement between the lines has quickly become central to Newcastle’s attacking structure.

Behind them, Gonzalez and Miley could form the double pivot, blending technical control with youthful energy if the former City man is thrown straight in.

A reshaped back line and a new No.1

At the back, the picture is clearer. Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are expected to continue as the back four, a unit that has already had to learn on the job amid injuries and tactical tweaks.

Lukas Horníček has taken over as Newcastle’s goalkeeper “for the time being” and looks set to keep the gloves in North London. His distribution and command of the area will be under intense scrutiny against a Spurs side that usually flood the box with runners.

Predicted Newcastle XI vs Spurs

Newcastle United possible starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Horníček; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Woltemade

Kick-off and TV details

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

The game will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Newcastle have shown they can trade punches with the league’s elite. Now comes the real question: can Jaissle’s reshaped side turn promise into points in one of the most unforgiving fixtures on the calendar?