Tottenham Seeks First League Points Against Newcastle
Tottenham Hotspur step back under the Premier League spotlight on Saturday evening, still stinging from opening‑day defeat and desperate to show their midweek revival was no one‑off.
Beaten 3-0 at Brentford on the first weekend, Spurs briefly silenced the noise with a thumping 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic. Now comes the real test: can Roberto De Zerbi’s side carry that attacking surge into a league meeting with Newcastle United?
The mood has shifted, but the pressure remains.
De Zerbi juggling injuries and big calls
The injury list has shaped much of De Zerbi’s early-season thinking, and it does not ease up for Newcastle’s visit.
Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odebert are all still sidelined with knee problems, while Mohammed Kudus misses out with a thigh issue. James Maddison, such a key creative outlet, is expected to be out for a couple of weeks after fracturing his shoulder. Pape Sarr is touch and go with a thigh concern and faces a late decision.
So De Zerbi turns to those who impressed in the cup.
Antonin Kinsky, who started in the 5-1 win over Charlton, is in line to keep his place in goal. In front of him, there is a strong push from senior defenders to come back into the XI. Pedro Porro, used off the bench in midweek, is poised to reclaim the right-back spot from Archie Gray. On the opposite flank, Andrew Robertson is currently favoured over Destiny Udogie at left-back.
At centre-back, Micky van de Ven is pressing for a start after his substitute appearance and could form an all-Dutch partnership with Jan Paul van Hecke. That pairing would give Spurs pace and aggression through the middle of their defence, something badly missing at Brentford.
New loan signing Omar Marmoush, whose move from Manchester City was confirmed on Thursday, is expected to begin his Spurs career from the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup.
Tonali faces former club in reshaped midfield
Midfield brings its own storyline. Sandro Tonali is set to start against his former club, adding an edge to the battle in the middle of the pitch. He is likely to anchor a three with Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher, a blend of control, energy and pressing that suits De Zerbi’s front-foot approach.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall wait in reserve as alternative options, but the manager looks ready to reward those who delivered in midweek.
Out wide, one name has forced itself into the conversation.
Savio came off the bench against Charlton, scored, and added an assist on his debut. That kind of impact is hard to ignore. He is pushing strongly for a start on the right of a front three, joining Richarlison through the middle and Mathys Tel on the left. It is a front line that carries pace, movement and a willingness to run at defenders – exactly what Spurs lacked in their flat league opener.
Predicted Tottenham XI vs Newcastle
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting XI (4-3-3): Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Richarlison, Tel
Kick-off and TV details
The Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026.
In the UK, the game will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Spurs have their first win of the season on the board, even if it came in the cup. Now they have to prove it was the start of something – not just a brief escape from their Premier League reality.
