Newcastle United face a fascinating early-season test on Saturday evening as they travel to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur, with former Magpie Sandro Tonali potentially set for an immediate reunion with his old club.
The two sides meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, August 29, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm BST. It is a fixture carrying plenty of intrigue, particularly after two very different summers for the clubs, but also two opening weekends that produced plenty of questions.
Newcastle began their Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at St James’ Park, a result that ultimately felt like a missed opportunity after the Magpies had produced an impressive performance against the reigning champions. Matthias Jaissle’s side then recovered from a difficult start against West Brom in midweek, coming from behind to secure a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory.
Tottenham, meanwhile, suffered a nightmare start under Roberto De Zerbi as they were beaten 3-0 by Brentford. However, Spurs responded emphatically in the Carabao Cup, putting five past Charlton in a 5-1 victory. The challenge now is whether they can carry that momentum into their first home league fixture of the campaign.
Tonali’s Emotional Reunion
The headline storyline is undoubtedly Tonali.
Just weeks after leaving Newcastle in a huge summer transfer, the Italian could line up against the club where he spent three seasons and made 110 appearances. Tottenham confirmed his arrival from Newcastle earlier this summer, with the midfielder becoming a major part of De Zerbi’s rebuilding project.
There will inevitably be emotion surrounding Tonali’s return to the opposition dressing room, particularly given the relationship he developed with the Newcastle supporters.
But from Newcastle’s perspective, this cannot simply become a night about nostalgia. The Magpies will need to ensure Tonali’s presence does not distract from the bigger objective: securing a first Premier League victory of the new campaign.
There is also an intriguing tactical battle in midfield. Tonali’s ability to dictate play, carry possession and contribute defensively will make him a significant threat, but Newcastle’s new-look midfield will be determined to prevent him from controlling the contest.
Newcastle Need Another Big Performance
Jaissle has already shown that he can get a response from his players.
Despite losing several major names during the summer, Newcastle were competitive against Liverpool and looked dangerous going forward. The performance suggested that the new manager may have more to work with than some initially expected.
The challenge is reproducing that intensity away from home.
Newcastle’s away record has been a concern, while Tottenham have historically been a difficult opponent in North London. The Magpies have, however, won their last two Premier League visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, both by 2-1 scorelines.
That record should give Newcastle confidence.
Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes and Yoane Wissa all offer pace and attacking threat, while the summer arrival of Nico Gonzalez provides another option in midfield. Newcastle showed against West Brom that they possess enough attacking quality to cause problems, but defensive concentration remains essential after conceding twice in both of their opening competitive matches.
Spurs Have Plenty To Prove
Tottenham’s summer spending has raised expectations considerably.
De Zerbi has been backed with major additions, including Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Savio and, most recently, Omar Marmoush. Marmoush could potentially make his debut against Newcastle after joining from Manchester City.
Yet the defeat at Brentford demonstrated that spending money does not automatically create a settled team.
Spurs struggled defensively in their opener, while injuries have further complicated De Zerbi’s selection. James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Xavi Simons are among those dealing with fitness issues, although Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro are pushing towards returns.
That could provide Newcastle with an opportunity.
A Fascinating Early Test
This is a difficult match to call.
Tottenham will have the advantage of home support and will be desperate to respond to their opening-day defeat. Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive with the confidence of an unbeaten start and two encouraging performances in their first two competitive games.
For Jaissle, this is another opportunity to demonstrate that Newcastle’s new era can be competitive despite the departures of several established stars.
For De Zerbi, it is a chance to show that Tottenham’s heavy summer investment can quickly translate into results.
And for Tonali, it could be one of the strangest afternoons of his career.
Only weeks after wearing black and white, he could now be lining up in Lilywhite against the supporters who once sang his name.
Newcastle will hope that, by the final whistle, the focus is not on their former midfielder, but on another memorable victory in North London.
With neither side wanting to start the new Premier League season slowly, expect a fiercely contested encounter, plenty of attacking intent and, as has so often been the case between these clubs, goals.
Leave a Comment