Spurs vs Newcastle - Predicted XI and match preview

Newcastle are back in Premier League action this Saturday, taking on a new-look Tottenham side who looked very much like last season's Spurs just a week ago.

We arrive following a 2-2 draw against Liverpool and 3-2 victory over West Brom in the Carabao Cup, while Spurs followed last weekend's 3-0 bashing away to Brentford with a 5-1 win over Charlton in midweek.

Last season, Eddie Howe's United picked up just 17 points from 19 away games. It was a huge reason behind our 12th-place finish, with us often looking fragile, disjointed and too easy to play against away from St James' Park.

So far, the signs have been positive in two home games under Jaissle, who has just been boosted by the £50m arrival of Nico Gonzalez, but it will be fascinating to see how we tackle a Spurs side looking to bounce back and arrive boosted from a double swoop for Man City's Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Who starts?

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hornicek - Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall - Gonzalez, Miley - Elanga, Willock, Barnes - Wissa.

The back five seems set for now. Dedic has been outstanding so far, Botman has stepped up after a poor pre-season, Burn remains out for another few weeks and this one will come too soon for Livramento, who will do well to win his spot back at this rate.

In midfield, Steur is a class act who oozes class, however, physicality and freshness could help against a busy trio of Tonali, Bergvall and Gallagher, meaning Nico might just come into the side alongside Miley.

The front four then picks itself on current form. Elanga over Murphy in hope he'll build on last Sunday's goal, Willock over Woltemade in the No.10 role, Barnes over Toure after Wednesday's brace, and Wissa up top now Osula is out with a footy injury.

Who wins?

Spurs will be looking to Savinho and Marmoush for that new-signing lift, especially as last Saturday's front three of Richarlison, Tel and Moore looked stale at Brentford. 

Jaissle will also be hoping for new blood to make an immediate impact, with Gonzalez pushing to come straight into the side following a few days' training.

I was tempted to predict another 2-2 draw, but I'm hopeful Nico could help inspire us to a tight yet precious away win in the capital.

Prediction: Spurs 1-2 Newcastle

Howay the lads!