Newcastle United Aims for First League Win Against Spurs
Newcastle United arrive in North London on Saturday still chasing a first Premier League victory of the season, but they do so with a growing sense of edge and defiance.
They twice went in front against Liverpool at St James’ Park, only to be pegged back by a stoppage-time penalty that left the home crowd stunned and the players empty-handed. Any fears of a hangover were quickly tested in midweek – and Matthias Jaissle’s side answered with a wild 3-2 Carabao Cup win over West Bromwich Albion that kept the mood from turning sour.
Now comes Tottenham Hotspur away. A different stage, a different kind of pressure.
Injuries bite, but new faces step up
Jaissle’s plans are still shaped by a brutal early injury list.
Newly-appointed captain Dan Burn remains out with ankle ligament damage, a significant absence both in the dressing room and on the pitch. Joelinton, usually the heartbeat of Newcastle’s midfield aggression, is sidelined with a groin issue, while Tino Livramento’s calf problem keeps him out as well. William Osula is still nursing a foot injury and will not feature.
The gaps have forced Newcastle to lean on fresh blood.
Bazoumana Toure, one of the headline summer arrivals, scored in that 3-2 win over West Brom despite admitting he was “feeling a bit of pain” during the game. The staff expect him to be fit for Saturday, and his sharpness in the final third has already given Jaissle a different option on the left.
Just as significant is the arrival of Nico Gonzalez. The £50 million signing from Manchester City was unveiled to supporters before the West Brom tie, a statement of intent as much as a transfer. His debut could come at Tottenham, most likely in a deeper role that would push either Lewis Miley or fellow new signing Sean Steur out of the XI.
If Gonzalez starts, Newcastle’s midfield suddenly looks far more authoritative.
Selection battles across the front line
Anthony Elanga has played his way into a strong position. He opened the scoring against Liverpool and brings a directness on the right that Jaissle clearly values. He is expected to keep his place ahead of Jacob Murphy, whose route back into the side looks blocked for now.
On the opposite flank, Harvey Barnes and Toure are locked in a straight fight. Barnes strengthened his claim with a brace against West Brom, reminding everyone of his penalty-box instincts and timing of runs from wide. Toure, though, offers a slightly different profile – more vertical, more willing to attack space early. Jaissle’s call here will say plenty about how he wants to attack Spurs.
Up front, the picture is clearer. With Osula still unavailable, Nick Woltemade is set to continue as the central striker, supported by Yoane Wissa operating in the band of three behind or alongside him. Wissa’s movement between the lines and ability to drift into pockets will be crucial if Newcastle are to disrupt Tottenham’s structure.
A reshaped back line and a new man in goal
Behind them, the defensive framework has started to settle.
Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are expected to form the back four. It is a unit that blends youth and physical presence, with Botman the anchor and Thiaw adding aggression alongside him. Hall’s role on the left gives Newcastle balance on the ball, while Dedic’s energy on the right offers an outlet on transitions.
The biggest change comes in goal. Lukas Horníček has taken over as Newcastle’s goalkeeper “for the time being” and is set to keep his place. His distribution and willingness to play from the back have clearly impressed, and a strong display in North London would tighten his grip on the shirt.
Predicted Newcastle XI
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 match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Newcastle have already shown they can go toe-to-toe with elite opposition this season. The question now is simple: can they finally turn promise into a first league win, and do it on one of the toughest away days in the division?
