Tottenham Seek First League Points Against Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action on Saturday with something to prove and very little margin for patience. Beaten 3-0 at Brentford on the opening weekend, they walk out at home against Newcastle United still searching for their first league points of the season.

The mood around the club shifted slightly in midweek. A 5-1 Carabao Cup demolition of Charlton Athletic eased the tension and gave Roberto De Zerbi a glimpse of what his reshaped side might look like when it clicks. Now he needs that same sharpness when the stakes are higher and the spotlight harsher.

Injuries bite, but competition for places grows

De Zerbi’s options are still badly bruised by injury. Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odebert all remain sidelined with knee problems, stripping creativity and depth from the wide areas. Mohammed Kudus is also out with a thigh issue, while James Maddison faces a couple of weeks on the sidelines after fracturing his shoulder.

Pape Sarr is a doubt with a thigh concern, another potential blow in central midfield at a time when control and energy in that area will be crucial.

Yet the midweek win has at least ignited some battles for starting spots. Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro, both introduced from the bench against Charlton, are pushing hard to be restored to the XI. New loan arrival Omar Marmoush, whose move from Manchester City was confirmed on Thursday, is expected to start among the substitutes as he settles into his new surroundings.

Between the posts, Antonin Kinsky has done enough to keep the gloves. He is set to retain his place after starting both the league opener and the cup rout.

In front of him, Porro is poised to come back in at right-back, likely at the expense of Archie Gray. At centre-back, Van de Ven is in line to partner fellow Dutchman Jan Paul van Hecke, giving Spurs a left-right balance and serious recovery pace in the heart of defence. On the left, Andrew Robertson is currently preferred over Destiny Udogie, with the Scot’s experience and delivery valued in a game where Spurs will expect to have plenty of the ball.

Tonali faces former club in key midfield role

The narrative almost writes itself in midfield. Sandro Tonali is set to start against his former club, anchoring a three that should also feature Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher. Tonali’s range of passing and bite in the tackle will be central to how Spurs try to dictate the tempo, while Gallagher’s running and Fernandes’ composure give De Zerbi a blend of industry and guile.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall wait in the wings as alternatives, ready to change the rhythm if Spurs need more control or fresh legs later in the game.

Higher up the pitch, one midweek cameo has changed the picture. Savio came off the bench against Charlton, scored, assisted, and immediately strengthened his case for a first league start. He is pushing to line up on the right of a front three, bringing direct running and unpredictability.

Through the middle, Richarlison remains the focal point, tasked with turning approach play into goals after the team’s blunt showing at Brentford. On the left, Mathys Tel offers movement in behind and a constant threat on the counter, key weapons if Newcastle try to squeeze up the pitch.

Predicted Tottenham XI

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting XI (4-3-3): Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Richarlison, Tel.

Kick-off and TV details

The match kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Tottenham have their first win of the campaign in the cup. Now comes the real test: can De Zerbi’s side turn that spark into a Premier League statement against a Newcastle team that knows exactly how to punish any hesitation?