Newcastle United Chasing 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 little more bite about them than the table suggests.

They twice went ahead against Liverpool at St James’ Park, only to be floored by a stoppage-time penalty that turned three points into one. Painful, yes, but it was a performance that hinted at a team beginning to understand Matthias Jaissle’s demands.

The response in midweek underlined that. A chaotic, entertaining 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup pushed Newcastle into the next round and gave their new manager a first competitive victory in charge. It also sharpened a few selection dilemmas before the trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

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 and Tino Livramento’s calf issue keep them out as well, while forward William Osula is still nursing a foot injury and won’t feature.

The encouraging news comes from Bazoumana Toure. The new signing scored against West Brom despite admitting he had been “feeling a bit of pain” during the game. The club expect him to be available for Saturday, and his sharpness on the left has already given Newcastle a different attacking angle.

There is also the prospect of a big-money debut. Nico Gonzalez, unveiled to supporters as a £50 million signing from Manchester City before that West Brom tie, is in line for his first Newcastle appearance. If Jaissle throws him straight in, it would almost certainly mean a reshuffle in midfield, with either youngster Lewis Miley or fellow new arrival Sean Steur likely to make way.

Wide options and attacking balance

On the right, Anthony Elanga has put down a firm marker. He opened the scoring against Liverpool and is expected to keep his place ahead of Jacob Murphy, his direct running and work rate fitting neatly into Jaissle’s high-energy approach.

The left flank is more of a scrap. Harvey Barnes, fresh from a brace in the cup, is battling Toure for the starting berth. Barnes offers proven Premier League end product; Toure brings unpredictability and a willingness to drive at full-backs. Both have strong claims, and Jaissle’s call here will say plenty about how boldly he intends to set up away from home.

Through the middle, Osula’s continued absence simplifies one decision. Nick Woltemade is set to lead the line again, with Yoane Wissa operating just off him as the central creative threat. That pairing showed flashes of understanding in the cup and will need to stretch a Spurs defence that prefers to hold a high line.

A new look at the back

Behind them, the defensive picture is clearer. Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are expected to form the back four. It is a unit that blends youth and physicality, charged with protecting Lukas Horníček, who has taken over as Newcastle’s goalkeeper for now.

Horníček’s promotion adds another layer of intrigue. A new keeper, a reshaped defence, and an aggressive, front-foot coach heading into one of the league’s most unforgiving away fixtures. It is a test of nerve as much as system.

Predicted Newcastle XI

Jaissle is likely to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 shape:

Horníček; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Woltemade.

The one major question is that left wing duel between Barnes and Toure, and whether Gonzalez starts from the off or is eased in from the bench.

Kick-off and TV details

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

The game will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Newcastle arrive without a league win, patched up and still learning under a new manager. But with fresh faces, a bruised sense of injustice from Liverpool, and a statement away day on offer, this is exactly the kind of evening that can jolt a season into life.