Newcastle United Seek First Premier League Win Under Jaissle at 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 hint of momentum and a very different look under Matthias Jaissle.

They twice led at home to Liverpool last weekend and still came away frustrated, a stoppage-time penalty ripping two points out of their hands. Any lingering disappointment didn’t show in midweek. Newcastle went again, edged a wild 3-2 Carabao Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion, and hinted at a team beginning to understand its new manager.

Now comes Tottenham Hotspur away. A harsher examination. A bigger stage.

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 blow both in the dressing room and in the back line. Joelinton, out with a groin issue, and Tino Livramento, nursing a calf problem, also miss the trip.

William Osula is still unavailable as he continues to recover from a foot injury, leaving Newcastle light on natural centre-forward options. That has opened the door for others.

Bazoumana Toure seized his chance in midweek. The new signing found the net against West Brom despite “feeling a bit of pain” during the match and is expected to be fit enough to feature at Spurs. Whether he starts is another question entirely.

The headline arrival, though, is Nico Gonzalez. Unveiled to supporters as a £50 million signing from Manchester City before the West Brom win, the midfielder could be handed his Newcastle debut in North London. If he does come in from the start, it will almost certainly force a reshuffle, with either Lewis Miley or fellow new boy Sean Steur likely to make way in the double pivot.

Wide battle: Elanga, Barnes and Toure

On the flanks, there is less uncertainty. Anthony Elanga, who struck first against Liverpool, is expected to keep his place on the right ahead of Jacob Murphy. His pace and direct running give Newcastle a clear outlet on the break, something Jaissle will value away at Spurs.

The left is where the real selection dilemma lies. Harvey Barnes reminded everyone of his cutting edge with a brace against West Brom, staking a serious claim to start. Toure, scorer in midweek and capable of drifting inside to link play, is pushing hard as well. Form versus balance. Goals versus structure. Jaissle has a genuine decision to make.

Up front, the picture is clearer. With Osula still out, Nick Woltemade is set to continue as the focal point in attack, working alongside Yoane Wissa, who is expected to operate in the central creative role behind him.

New-look spine for Jaissle

Behind them, Newcastle’s shape is beginning to settle. Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall are expected to form the back four. It is a unit built for aggression: Dedic and Hall to push on, Thiaw and Botman to dominate duels.

Lukas Horníček has taken over as first-choice goalkeeper, and he is set to keep his place. The change in goal underlines the sense of a reset under Jaissle – a new captain sidelined, a new keeper installed, and a big-money midfielder about to step into the Premier League spotlight.

Predicted Newcastle 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 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.

Newcastle arrive without a league win, but with fresh legs, new ideas and a £50 million midfielder ready to be unleashed. Is this the afternoon Jaissle’s project truly announces itself?