Newcastle United Seek First Premier League Win Against Spurs
Newcastle United head to North London on Saturday still waiting for their first Premier League win of the season, but they travel with a growing sense that something is starting to click under Matthias Jaissle.
They twice led at home to Liverpool, only to be pegged back by a stoppage-time penalty that ripped two points from their grasp. Any doubts about their resilience were answered in midweek, though, as a much-changed side edged West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in the Carabao Cup.
Now comes Tottenham Hotspur away. A harder test. A bigger stage. And a squad already being reshaped.
Injuries bite, but new faces step up
Newcastle will again be without newly-appointed captain Dan Burn, who remains sidelined with ankle ligament damage. His absence strips Jaissle of both a defensive pillar and a vocal leader at the back.
Joelinton, still out with a groin problem, and Tino Livramento, nursing a calf issue, also miss the trip. William Osula’s foot injury keeps him unavailable as well, depriving Newcastle of another attacking option.
The gaps have forced Jaissle to lean quickly on his new recruits.
Bazoumana Toure, signed this summer, scored in the Carabao Cup win despite “feeling a bit of pain” during the game. The forward is expected to be fit for Saturday and has already shown he can carry a threat even when not at full tilt.
The headline arrival, though, is Nico Gonzalez. The £50 million signing from Manchester City was unveiled to supporters before the West Brom tie, a statement of intent and a clear sign that Newcastle want him central to their rebuild. His first minutes in black and white could now come in the intensity of a Premier League clash away at Spurs.
If Gonzalez starts, it likely pushes one of the youngsters out of the XI. Either Lewis Miley, who has impressed with his composure, or fellow new signing Sean Steur would have to make way in midfield.
Wide battle: Elanga, Barnes and Toure stake their claims
On the flanks, Jaissle has decisions to make, but they are the kind managers like: form players fighting for places.
Anthony Elanga, who opened the scoring against Liverpool, is expected to keep his spot on the right. His pace and direct running give Newcastle an outlet on the break, and he currently has the edge over Jacob Murphy in that role.
On the left, Harvey Barnes and Toure are in direct competition. Barnes struck twice against West Brom, reminding everyone of his cutting edge in the final third. Toure, with his goal and work-rate, has made an equally strong case. Jaissle must decide whether he wants Barnes’ instinct in front of goal or Toure’s blend of power and penetration from the start.
Up front, Osula’s continued absence simplifies one call. Nick Woltemade is set to retain his place in attack, partnering Yoane Wissa. Wissa’s movement between the lines and Woltemade’s presence offer a different dimension to Newcastle’s forward line, one Jaissle seems keen to explore.
New spine in front of Horníček
Behind them, the structure of the side is beginning to settle.
Lukas Horníček has taken over as Newcastle’s goalkeeper “for the time being”, a phrase that hints at competition but also trust. For now, the gloves are his, and he will stand behind a back four that is starting to look familiar.
Amar Dedic at right-back, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman in central defence, and Lewis Hall at left-back are all expected to start. It is a blend of aggression, height and technical quality, and with Burn out, Thiaw and Botman carry extra responsibility as the core of that defensive unit.
If Gonzalez comes straight into the XI, he is likely to line up alongside Miley in a double pivot, tasked with controlling the tempo and linking the back line to the attacking quartet ahead.
Predicted Newcastle XI vs Tottenham
Jaissle is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 shape:
Horníček; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Woltemade.
Kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set for 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Newcastle arrive without a league win, carrying scars from Liverpool and momentum from West Brom. This trip to Spurs will show which of those weighs heavier on Jaissle’s new-look side.
