Newcastle Aims for First Premier League Win Against Spurs
Newcastle United arrive in North London on Saturday still waiting for their Premier League season to truly start. Two goals against Liverpool, two leads, and yet no win – a stoppage-time penalty ripped two points out of their hands and left Matthias Jaissle with frustration rather than lift-off.
He did get a response. In midweek, Newcastle edged a wild 3-2 Carabao Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion, a result that at least injected some belief and sharpened a few attacking combinations before the trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
Now comes the harder part: turning promise into points.
Injuries bite, but new faces step forward
Jaissle must again juggle key absences. Newly-appointed captain Dan Burn remains out with ankle ligament damage, a blow both in terms of leadership and defensive presence. Joelinton’s groin problem keeps him sidelined, and Tino Livramento’s calf issue rules him out as well.
William Osula is still nursing a foot injury, so the forward line will once more have to function without him.
The encouraging news comes from Bazoumana Toure. The new signing scored in that 3-2 win at West Brom despite “feeling a bit of pain” during the game. Newcastle expect him to be fit enough for the weekend, giving Jaissle another option in the wide areas after an eye-catching cup display.
There is also the looming figure of Nico Gonzalez. Unveiled to supporters as a £50 million arrival from Manchester City before the West Brom tie, he is pushing for an immediate Premier League debut. If he starts, one of the youngsters who have carried early-season responsibility – Lewis Miley or fellow new boy Sean Steur – is likely to make way.
Selection battles across the front line
Anthony Elanga has done his part to keep his name on the team sheet. He opened the scoring against Liverpool and is expected to keep Jacob Murphy out of the side on the right flank.
On the opposite wing, Harvey Barnes has forced the issue. Two goals in the Carabao Cup put him in direct competition with Toure for the left-wing berth, giving Jaissle a genuine selection dilemma in the most positive sense.
Through the middle, the picture is clearer. With Osula still unavailable, Nick Woltemade is set to retain his place in attack, working in tandem with Yoane Wissa, who operates as the central creative force behind him in Jaissle’s 4-2-3-1 framework.
Behind them, the likely double pivot features Gonzalez – if handed that debut – alongside Miley, whose energy and range have kept him in the manager’s thoughts despite the influx of new signings.
A reshaped defence in front of a new No.1
At the back, the structure looks more settled. Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are expected to line up as the back four, a blend of physicality, recovery pace and ball-playing ability that Jaissle will hope can withstand Spurs’ attacking waves.
They protect Lukas Horníček, who has taken over as Newcastle’s goalkeeper for the time being. His handling of the Liverpool onslaught and the chaotic cup tie at West Brom has given him an early audition in high-pressure situations; North London will provide another stern examination.
Newcastle United predicted 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 time 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 hurt good sides. The question now is simple: can they finally turn that into their first league win of the season in one of the toughest away grounds in the country?
