Newcastle United Seek First League Win Against Tottenham

Newcastle United arrive in North London on Saturday still nursing the frustration of opening-day regret and the bruises of a chaotic start. They led Liverpool twice at St James’ Park, felt the game in their hands, and still watched two points disappear with a stoppage-time penalty.

Matthias Jaissle’s response? He doubled down.

His side went straight back on the front foot in midweek, edging West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in a wild Carabao Cup tie that at least restored some belief and offered a glimpse of what this new-look Newcastle might become once the pieces settle.

Now comes a different kind of test: Tottenham away, under the lights, with the Premier League table already starting to take shape.

Injuries bite, but new faces step up

Jaissle still has to juggle. Newly-appointed captain Dan Burn remains out with ankle ligament damage, a significant absence both in the dressing room and at the back. Joelinton’s groin problem keeps him sidelined, Tino Livramento is missing with a calf issue, and William Osula’s foot injury rules him out of the trip.

That forces continuity in some areas and bold calls in others.

Bazoumana Toure, who scored against West Brom despite “feeling a bit of pain” during the game, is expected to be fit and in contention again. His sharpness on the left has given Newcastle a different edge in wide areas, even if the medical staff will be watching him closely.

The headline act, though, could be Nico Gonzalez. Unveiled to supporters as a £50 million signing from Manchester City before that cup win, the midfielder is pushing for his first Premier League start in black and white. If he comes in, it likely means one of Lewis Miley or fellow new arrival Sean Steur makes way in the engine room.

Out wide on the right, Anthony Elanga has seized his chance. He opened the scoring against Liverpool and is expected to keep Jacob Murphy out of the side for now. On the opposite flank, Harvey Barnes – fresh from a brace against West Brom – is locked in direct competition with Toure for the left-wing role. Both offer goals, both offer drive. Jaissle must choose between the form of Barnes and the momentum of Toure.

Up front, the situation is clearer. With Osula still unavailable, Nick Woltemade is set to lead the line again alongside Yoane Wissa, whose movement between the lines has been central to Jaissle’s attacking blueprint.

Behind them, the back four looks settled: Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are expected to continue as the defensive unit in front of Lukas Horníček, who has taken over as Newcastle’s goalkeeper “for the time being” and now has another big stage on which to stake his claim.

Predicted Newcastle XI

Jaissle is likely to stick with his 4-2-3-1 shape, built on energy in midfield and width in attack.

Newcastle United possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Horníček; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Woltemade

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 still waiting for that first league win. Spurs away is a brutal place to go looking for it – or the perfect stage to announce that Jaissle’s era has truly begun.