Newcastle United Seek First Premier 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 bit of edge back in their game.
They twice went in front against Liverpool at St James’ Park, only to be pegged back by a stoppage‑time penalty that stole two points and much of the air from the stadium. Any fear of a hangover didn’t last long. Matthias Jaissle’s side hit back in midweek, edging West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in the Carabao Cup and reminding everyone that, for all the early‑season frustration, there is plenty of firepower in this squad.
Now comes a different kind of test: Tottenham Hotspur away, under the lights, with the TV cameras rolling and the table already beginning to take shape.
Injuries bite, but new faces step up
Jaissle will again be without his newly-appointed captain. Dan Burn remains sidelined with ankle ligament damage, a significant absence both in the dressing room and in the back line. Joelinton’s groin problem rules him out as well, and Tino Livramento’s calf injury keeps him on the treatment table.
William Osula is still nursing a foot injury, so the search for that first league win must continue without him too.
The encouraging news comes from Bazoumana Toure. The new signing found the net against West Brom despite “feeling a bit of pain” during the tie and is expected to be available for the trip to Spurs. His sharpness on the left has already given Newcastle a different look in the final third.
There is also the small matter of a £50 million arrival waiting in the wings. Nico Gonzalez, unveiled to supporters before the West Brom win after his move from Manchester City, is in line for a potential debut. If he starts, it would almost certainly mean one of Lewis Miley or fellow new arrival Sean Steur drops out of the XI. It is the kind of selection dilemma managers relish: quality options, not desperate stopgaps.
Selection calls in attack
Anthony Elanga has played his way into a strong position. He opened the scoring against Liverpool and is expected to keep his place on the right ahead of Jacob Murphy. On the opposite flank, Harvey Barnes has kicked the door down. Two goals against West Brom have thrust him into direct competition with Toure for the left‑wing role, a battle that could define Newcastle’s attacking balance in North London.
Up front, the picture is clearer. With Osula still unavailable, Nick Woltemade is set to lead the line again, working in tandem with Yoane Wissa, who operates in the pockets behind and around him. The pair offer movement and aggression, the kind of energy Jaissle will need if Newcastle are to unsettle Spurs on their own turf.
Behind them, the structure looks settled. Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are expected to form the back four. In goal, Lukas Horníček has taken over the gloves for now and will look to build on his recent run with another statement performance against top‑level opposition.
Predicted Newcastle XI
Jaissle is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 shape, with room for his new marquee midfielder to step straight into the fray.
Newcastle United possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Horníček; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Woltemade.
Kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Newcastle have their first win of the season in the cup. The question now is whether they can drag that momentum into the league and announce themselves properly against Spurs.
