Shields Gazette

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur team news: Eddie Howe’s side have several injury concerns heading into the Premier League match at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa has played a behind-closed-doors 11 v 11 match as he stepped up his return from injury over the weekend.

Wissa has been out since September with a knee injury that has so far prevented him from making his Newcastle debut following a £55million deadline day move from Brentford.

Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Tuesday evening (8:15pm kick-off) as they look to make it three wins in a row in the league and seven straight wins at St James’ Park in all competitions.

The Magpies beat Spurs 2-0 at St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup back in October and head into the game on the back of a 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday.

Newcastle were without Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, William Osula and Wissa for the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium due to injury.

“No fresh injuries, I believe,” head coach Eddie Howe said ahead of Spurs. “We had a good look at the lads. Yeah, positive physical performance, I thought. It wasn't the biggest game in terms of load, so yeah, the lads are okay.”

Yoane Wissa returns

Wissa played an 11v11 training ground match with a young group of players over the weekend and Howe has teased the forward playing another this week.

Newcastle Under-21s are in National League Cup action at Scunthorpe on Tuesday evening and Wissa would be eligible to play.

“Yeah, he does [continue to build his fitness],” Howe said. “He participated in an 11v11 training game while we were at Everton. I think he'll have another one at some stage this week.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

“I've given so many different [Wissa return] dates, I've got no idea. There's been no change, he's working back, he's doing well, everything's positive, but he will be back involved when we think he's able to contribute to the group, and has a minimal chance of re-injury.

“Whenever he comes back, I'm sure from his perspective, and of course from our perspective, that first goal will be important. But I don't want to put too much pressure on him, he's still a little bit away from that, he's got some more work to do, hopefully he comes through that, and then we can see him back on the pitch.”

Newcastle United injury latest

Pope remains a doubt for the Spurs match after missing the trip to Everton with a groin injury. Trippier, Osula, Wissa and Botman are set to miss the miss the game.

“With Sven he's going to see a specialist in the next couple of days, just to get a sort of definitive opinion whether he needs an injection or whether he's able to rest for a few days and then resume training,” Howe said. “So we'll wait and see.”

On Pope, the Newcastle boss added: “No further update from Saturday. Again, he's probably one of a number of players that we'll analyse early this week and then try and get a proper diagnosis.”

Newcastle United injury latest: William Osula has missed the past five matches for The Magpies due to an injury setback.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United forward William Osula has received a positive injury update on his ankle issue.

The 22-year-old was a late withdrawal from Newcastle’s squad in their Champions League match against Athletic Club despite initially being named among the substitutes. He then missed the following matches against Brentford, Manchester City, Marseille and Everton.

He is also likely to miss Tuesday night’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park (8:15pm kick-off).

The forward has scored three goals so far this season, but had been playing on through an ankle injury before the issue eventually took its toll.

"Will Osula, we haven't seen back in training yet, but again, I think injury hasn't been totally plain sailing,” Howe explained. “I think there's been a few days where he's felt really good and a few days then where he's felt a bit of pain, so I think he might be going to see a specialist on Monday.

“Not necessarily on a negative, but just to get sort of full clearance that he's okay to continue as he is. So we won't see him back sort of in the next couple of games.”

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

William Osula injury latest

Osula is a doubt for Newcastle’s upcoming matches against Spurs and Burnley at St James’ Park but Howe is hopeful of seeing the striker back in action soon following positive scan results.

“Will is, I think, okay,” Howe said. “He's been to see a specialist on Monday, to get an update on his ankle.

“He's still feeling a little bit of pain in there, even though sort of all the scans have come back clear."

Newcastle United striker options

Newcastle have limited attacking options heading into December with Nick Woltemade the only recognised, available striker in Howe’s squad.

The German has enjoyed a positive start to life at Newcastle with seven goals to his name already.

Yoane Wissa has been sidelined since September due to a knee injury and is yet to make his debut for the club since his £55million move from Brentford on deadline day. The DR Congo international has since returned to first-team training as he pushes for his first club appearance since May.

With Wissa and Osula unavailable against Everton on Saturday, Howe named 18-year-old forward Sean Neave on the bench. The forward has impressed for Newcastle at academy level this season with 10 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions but is yet to make his competitive first-team debut.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur cult hero David Ginola has opened up about his transfer in 1997.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

David Ginola set the Premier League alight when he joined Newcastle United from Paris Saint-Germain for £2.5million in 1995.

The Frenchman’s flair, charm and stunning goals quickly made him a fan favourite on Tyneside and beyond.

But after 75 appearances, consecutive runners-up finishes in the Premier League and seven goals for Newcastle, Ginola left to join Tottenham Hotspur.

The move came about following Kevin Keegan’s exit and Kenny Dalglish’s appointment at St James’ Park. Ginola would continue to impress at Spurs, winning League Cup and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year during the 1998-99 season.

David Ginola reflects on turbulent NUFC exit

Reflecting on his Newcastle exit in a book about ‘The Entertainers’, Ginola said: "I didn’t want to leave the club but when Kenny Dalglish took over from Kevin it was a shock and it just wasn’t the same anymore. I argued with Kenny and he didn’t play me much after that.

"He tried to get rid of all the foreign players Kevin signed. I was frustrated at the time and I said something in the newspapers that if things don’t change, I will have to leave.

“The following day we had a row. He told me I couldn’t go to the newspapers and say these things. I said, ‘You treat me like I’m having an affair with your wife.’

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

"He said, ‘How dare you talk to me like that.’ I said, ‘At least I’m talking. You never look at me or talk to me.’ He wasn’t the guy to take us to the top, as it was proved. He didn’t make the most of the players we had.

"Under Kevin, it was such a pleasure every day in training and every Saturday away and at St James’ Park, where the atmosphere was magnificent. I miss those days. One day, those happy days will return."

Ginola’s view that Dalglish wouldn’t take Newcastle ‘to the top’ was ultimately correct as he led the club to a 13th place finish in his first full season in charge. It was the first time The Magpies had failed to finish in the top six in the Premier League since being promoted in 1993.

Dalglish was dismissed after a winless start to the 1998-99 season.

David Ginola looks back fondly on life at Newcastle United

Despite an unsavoury exit from Newcastle, Ginola still looks back at his time at Newcastle fondly and returns to visit St James’ Park

“When I arrived at Newcastle, the first thing I thought was, ‘Am I in England?’ The way that they were talking and all these things, for me it was like a discovery,” Ginola said via The Overlap. “When I signed from PSG to Newcastle I thought about the Premier League and England and thought it would be like this and that, but I discovered things like baked beans and toast – things I’d never think about in Paris.

“I was used to eating croissants and pain au chocolat and a nice glass of wine. Talking about football these days, I don’t think we realise how good it was at that time. Less money but more passion and appreciation to play for someone who really wants you, like Sir John Hall – what a man.

“He was a Geordie, very successful businessman who bought the club because it was his passion. Nowadays, people buy clubs because they just want to be in football, I don’t know if they are enjoying themselves.”

Newcastle United latest news: Yoane Wissa was pictured with his teammates following their win over Spurs.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Yoane Wissa has featured in a victorious Newcastle United dressing room photo for the first time following his big-money move from Brentford.

Wissa joined the Magpies for £55m on deadline day on September 1, but an injury picked up during international duty with DR Congo means he is still waiting to make his debut for the club. After initial fears that he had picked up an ACL injury, one that may have ended his season before it had even begun, it was confirmed by the club that Wissa had suffered a PCL injury.

Speaking about Wissa’s injury ahead of the clash with Spurs, Eddie Howe revealed he couldn’t pinpoint an exact return date, stating: “I don't know, it's very difficult for me to give a game for you,” Howe said.

“Yoane’s in a different boat to the other two because he's coming from further back fitness-wise. He's been out longer.

“He's still on track but we need to make sure that he's gone through a mini pre-season with us as well.”

There is hope that Wissa can feature before next month’s international break, with a return to action at the Gtech Community Stadium, his former stomping ground, a possibility. The need for Wissa to go through a ‘mini pre-season’ to get back up to speed, though, means it is highly likely that the Magpies won’t see the best of the DR Congo international until the end of next month at the earliest.

Yoane Wissa pictured in Newcastle United dressing room photo

In Wissa’s absence, Newcastle United booked their place in a fourth-straight Carabao Cup quarter-final with a 2-0 win over Spurs at St James’ Park. A first-half header from Fabian Schar set the Magpies on their way before Nick Woltemade netted five minutes into the second half to seal the win.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Woltemade’s form in-front of goal since joining from Stuttgart has meant that Wissa’s absence has not been too harshly felt, although it would be a huge boost for Howe when he has both of his big-money signings available to him. Wissa and Woltemade, when fit, can either rotate between matches or play together in the same starting XI.

It has been a frustrating start to life on Tyneside for Wissa, but his presence in Newcastle United’s victorious dressing room photo following Wednesday’s win over Spurs will have lifted spirits and supporters will hope that Wissa will be involved in a fair amount more of them by the time his first campaign in the north east comes to an end.

Those dressing room photos have, of course, raised a few eyebrows on social media over the past couple of years - one Howe launched a defence of back in 2022: “We haven’t decided to publish them, they’ve just found their way into the mainstream media which is something that ideally, from my side, wouldn’t happen.” Howe said.

“It’s something we did a long, long time ago to try and enjoy winning a little bit more because sometimes with the pressure that the players are under, it’s nice to have that moment to keep so you can look back on in years to come when we’re old and grey and in a different part of our lives where you snapshot that moment and it will trigger good memories.”

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur: Sky Sports have released footage after Fabian Schar’s controversial goal against Spurs.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Sky Sports have released footage that shows Djed Spence took 46.5 seconds to tie his laces before Fabian Schar opened the scoring for Newcastle United against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

The Magpies had shaded the opening stages and were deserved leaders when Schar nodded home Sandro Tonali’s corner. However, Spurs were left reeling after Chris Kavanagh allowed the Italian to take the corner despite Spence only just getting to his feet after tying his laces.

Speaking post-match, Frank gave his view on the incident, stating: “We conceded two goals because of two mistakes. Unfortunately, the referee was part of the mistake for the first goal.

“I’m not saying there aren’t things we can do better, but his boot is off he’s tying his shoelaces and you can clearly see from the footage afterwards that his boot comes off so he needs to do it. It’s not like we’re playing the game for ten minutes and we’re one nil up. It’s common sense to allow him time to get back in and get his boot on.

“To make it perfect, it’s Djed’s man to mark who scored. That’s why we were very animated.”

Sky Sports release Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur footage

Post-match, Sky Sports took a closer look at the incident with a stopwatch on their footage revealing that Spence had taken over three-quarters of a minute to tie his laces. Jobi McAnuff, on punditry duty in the studio, revealed his belief that allowing the corner to be taken was ‘harsh’ on Spurs.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

“This was the big incident,” McAnuff said. “He gets a nick on the laces and the referee I think tried to allow him a bit of time. You can see that he takes his boot off, clearly the referee at this point says ‘that’s enough time, 30 seconds play on’.

“I feel it’s harsh on Spurs as I believe he’s playing an important part in terms of where that ball is going to be delivered which is right here, that is where Djed Spence would be. For me, I think the referee should have given him a little more time to get in but I know there is going to be an argument against that.”

He added: “I just felt that the fact that the linesman was in such close proximity, he could have just sent a radio over to say ‘give him another five or ten seconds to get back in’. I think it is harsh I have got to be honest.”

The ultimate beneficiary of the decision was Schar as he rose above the defence to plant a header past Antonin Kinsky and fire his side into the lead. The defender admitted post-match that he didn’t register Spence being out of position and that he was full focussed on getting his head first to the ball.

“I didn’t know that it was a rule that you have to wait if somebody has to do their laces,” Schar told Sky Sports. “I actually didn’t even see where he was.

“I don’t think that would have made a difference. We were just focussed on what we trained on what we wanted to do and the corner [from Tonali] was perfect.”

Newcastle United have two players at risk of a Carabao Cup ban after Eddie Howe’s side progressed to the quarter-final of the competition.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United will host Fulham in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park on December 17 (TBC).

The match will come after Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on December 14.

It’s The Magpies’ fourth successive Carabao Cup quarter-final under Eddie Howe. In 2023, Newcastle reached the final of the competition, where they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United.

The following season, they were knocked out in the quarter-final by Chelsea on penalties after conceding deep into stoppage time at Stamford Bridge. But last season they made amends by beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final to win the Carabao Cup and end a 70-year domestic trophy drought.

And United’s defence of the competition has gone well so far with a 4-1 win over Bradford City followed by a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade scored against Spurs to ensure The Magpies’ progress. But there are two Newcastle players at risk of a suspension in the competition, should a particular set of circumstances unfold.

Newcastle United duo at risk of a Carabao Cup ban

Carabao Cup rules state that any player who is booked twice before the semi-final stage of the competition is handed a one-match ban in that competition only. Unlike red cards, yellow card suspensions do not carry over into different competitions.

Last season, Newcastle were without Bruno Guimaraes for the first-leg of the semi-final clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after the Brazilian shown his second booking in the competition in the 3-1 quarter-final win over Brentford.

After no players were booked in the win over Bradford, both Joelinton and Malick Thiaw were shown yellow cards in the victory over Spurs. It means, should they be booked against Fulham and Newcastle progress to the semi-final, they would be banned for the first leg of that tie.

But that’s not the only competition Joelinton is walking a disciplinary tightrope in.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Joelinton on the verge of Champions League ban

Joelinton is just one booking away from a one-match ban in the Champions League having been shown a yellow card in Newcastle’s matches against Barcelona and Union Saint-Gilloise.

UEFA rules state that any player booked three times in the eight Champions League group phase matches, must serve a one-match ban in the competition.

Joelinton dropped out of Newcastle’s starting line-up against Benfica last time out in the Champions League. The Brazilian was a second half substitute and managed to avoid a booking as he helped The Magpies secure the 3-0 win.

Potential injuries aside, Joelinton is set to be available for the Athletic Club match on November 5 but could miss at least one of Newcastle’s following Champions League matches due to suspension.

Should Joelinton pick up another yellow card in Newcastle’s remaining five group phase matches, he will be banned for one match. Given his predisposition to picking up bookings, a Champions League ban appears likely for the Brazilian.

Dan Burn and Thiaw are the only other Magpies players who have been shown a yellow card in the Champions League this season. The pair would have to be booked a further two times in order to face a ban.

The only exception is if they were to be shown a red card, as is the case with any player.

Newcastle United’s Premier League disciplinary record

There is a different set of rules for the Premier League, with yellow card suspensions competition specific.

Five bookings in the opening 19 Premier League games hands a player a one-match ban.

After the 19 game, five booking and one-match ban cut-off point - the threshold changes to 10 bookings, 32 games and a two-match ban. Any player shown 15 bookings over the course of the season is handed a three-match ban but no player has ever been cautioned that many times during a single Premier League campaign to date.

Fortunately, Newcastle have no players currently on the verge of a ban in the Premier League with 10 games to play before the five yellow card cut-off point.

Burn is the closest to a ban in the Premier League having been booked three times in the competition this season, while Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have been booked twice.

Thiaw and Nick Pope have one booking each and the rest of the players in Newcastle’s squad are yet to be cautioned in the opening nine league matches this season.

Nick Woltemade scored his sixth goal for Newcastle United as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Carabao Cup last-16.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United progressed to the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup for the fourth successive season with a solid 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park.

Fabian Schar headed Newcastle in front from a Sandro Tonali corner in the first half before Nick Woltemade headed in from Joe Willock’s cross to double the home side’s lead and secure their progress.

They will face Fulham at home on Wednesday, December 17 (kick-off TBC) in the quarter-final as they look to retain the trophy.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Nick Woltemade continues fine scoring form.

Woltemade grabbed his fifth goal in seven games for Newcastle and his sixth in total to continue his fine form since joining the club for a record £65million fee.

Days after Woltemade’s arrival from VfB Stuttgart, Newcastle sold Alexander Isak for a Premier League record £130million to Liverpool.

But the striking duo have had contrasting starts to the season with Isak currently out with a groin issue having scored just one Carabao Cup goal in eight appearances for Liverpool in all competitions.

The Reds are also now out of the Carabao Cup following a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, Woltemade has six goals to his name in nine starts for Newcastle.

Reflecting on his latest goal, Woltemade told Sky Sports: “Joe [Willock] had the ball and I wanted to go behind the centre back and luckily the goalkeeper was coming out, so I just had to head it in.”

Excluding blocked shots, Woltemade has also scored every shot on target he has had for Newcastle, with a goalkeeper yet to save a shot from the 23-year-old in a black and white shirt.

Nick Woltemade makes Alexander Isak replacement claim

Woltemade also made a subtle reference to replacing Isak as Newcastle’s main striker this season. The Magpies also signed Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55million on deadline day but the forward is yet to feature since his arrival due to injury.

"I think I play different from the other strikers they had here,” Woltemade admitted. “I think the team after every game get to know me better.

“I just want the ball at my feet most of the time but I can help the team and if we all come into it, I think we can get really good results.

"This team is so easy for me to come here, new country, a new language, I feel welcome here even from the first day everyone was talking to me.

"I think we all have a good connection which makes it easier for me and even for the other new players."

Nick Woltemade makes a mockery of Newcastle United transfer claims

Woltemade’s club-record £65million transfer fee was heavily scrutinised by the German media, given the forward had only joined Stuttgart a year prior on a free transfer.

It came after Bayern Munich tried and failed to sign Woltemade before Newcastle swooped in with a significant bid.

Bayern board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge showed signs of bitterness by branding Newcastle ‘idiots’ for the fee they paid for Woltemade.

But Woltemade has already demonstrated his value to Newcastle in just two months on Tyneside while Isak, as the Premier League’s most expensive ever player, is yet to make an impact on Merseyside.

Newcastle United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade scored as the holders booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup defence continued as they progressed to the quarter-final of the competition with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Eddie Howe made eight changes to the side that beat Fulham 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday with key players such as Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope all dropping to the bench.

But the changes didn’t impact Newcastle’s performance as they were able to knock out their Premier League rivals with a solid performance.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Newcastle took the lead midway through the first half as Fabian Schar, on his return to the starting line-up, headed in from Sandro Tonali’s corner.

The Magpies should have doubled their lead shortly before half-time as Malick Thiaw’s header was acrobatically hit off the crossbar by Harvey Barnes. The goal was gaping, and the ball was behind the Newcastle winger as Spurs had the crossbar to thank for keeping them in the tie heading in at the break.

Newcastle should have made it 2-0 moments after the restart as Harvey Barnes picked out Joe Willock, who headed wide from point-blank range.

Willock made up for his miss by putting the ball on a plate for Nick Woltemade to head in his sixth goal of the season for Newcastle. Malick Thiaw played a key role by winning the ball high up the pitch and playing it to Willock.

Spurs showed the tie still wasn’t over as Aaron Ramsdale was called into action with a spectacular diving save to deny Pape Sarr.

But Newcastle held their nerve and defended well while pushing for a third as they saw out the win with relative ease.

Now they look ahead to the quarter-final match set to take place the week commencing December 15.

Carabao Cup quarter-final draw

Here are the ball numbers for the draw...

Brentford

Cardiff City

Fulham

Arsenal

Crystal Palace

Newcastle United

Manchester City

Chelsea

The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw will take place from 10:30pm.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur: Here’s how Sandro Tonali, Nick Woltemade and co fared in our half-time player ratings.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Tottenham Hotspur arrived at St James’ Park with an unbeaten away record, whilst Newcastle United went in search of a fourth successive home win in all competitions.

Eddie Howe, who admitted pre-match that he would rotate his starting XI, named eight changes for the visit of Thomas Frank’s side. Bruno Guimaraes, who won all three points at the weekend with a late strike against Fulham, was among those that dropped to the bench.

Howe may have made wholesale changes to his team, but it was his side that set the pace early doors with both Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey going close to opening the scoring. Spurs looked dangerous on the break but the Magpies’ defence was largely untroubled during the opening stages.

It was the hosts that opened the scoring through Fabian Schar. A very simple move that will undoubtedly anger the Spurs boss, Sandro Tonali’s corner was nodded in by Schar in a fairly routine manner.

Newcastle did press for another, but it was the visitors who came closest to scoring the second goal of the game as Richarlison twice saw crosses narrowly avoid his outstretched body at the back post. Harvey Barnes then came close to doubling his side’s lead but saw his acrobatic effort smash off Antonin Kinsky’s crossbar from close range.

Here are our first-half player ratings from Newcastle United’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup:

Newcastle United team to face Tottenham Hotspur: Aaron Ramsdale, Emil Krafth, Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes

Substitutes: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, William Osula, Jacob Murphy, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur player ratings

Aaron Ramsdale - 6

Had very little to do in the opening stages but played some good balls up to the forward line to get his side moving in attack. Called into action for the first time in the 38th minute, making a routine save to deny Kevin Danso’s effort.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Emil Krafth - 6

Looked solid on just his second start of the season. Did very well to cover for Burn as Spurs looked to break in the 35th minute.

Fabian Schar - 8

Looked composed upon his return to the starting XI and sprayed some classy passes across the pitch. Rose tall above the defenders to plant home the opener.

Malick Thiaw - 6

Had an early goalbound header denied. Played alongside a new partner in the heart of defence but once again looked assured. Booked just before the break for a cynical foul on Xavi Simons.

Dan Burn - 6

Named as captain in Guimaraes’ absence. Played a great ball through to Ramsey to give him an early chance to break the deadlock. Beaten a couple of times after being dragged inside.

Joe Willock - 7

Had some bright moments going forward and looked to support Woltemade when possible.

Sandro Tonali - 7

Put in an inch-perfect delivery for Schar’s opener. Tireless display after not being named in either of Howe’s previous two starting sides.

Jacob Ramsey - 7

Played on the left of a new-look midfield three and had an early chance to open the scoring but his effort was blocked by backtracking Spurs defenders. Looked lively when asked to defend.

Anthony Elanga - 6

Sloppy in possession at times in the first-half, although he did frighten his opposite number every time he had a chance to run. Won a couple of corners but wasn’t able to pick out that final ball for one of his teammates.

Nick Woltemade - 6

As always, had some very nice and neat touches to link play and bring his teammates into the game. Had few chances in front of goal and drifted out of the game a tad as the first half progressed.

Harvey Barnes - 6

Possibly should have done better with a chance in the 12th minute but could only direct his effort into the side netting. Bright at times but struggled a little to get into the game in the first half. Hit the bar with an acrobatic effort in the 40th minute - he’d have hoped to find the back of the net.

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur: Eddie Howe will confirm his starting XI v Tottenham Hotspur for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash at 6:45pm.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews and reports - all things NUFC

Sign up

Thank you for signing up!

Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Shields Gazette, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.

Submitting...

Newcastle United have been boosted by the presence of Sven Botman ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park. Botman started the win over Fulham on Saturday, but left the field of play early after being injured as Sasa Lukic nodded home Fulham’s equaliser.

After receiving treatment on the pitch, Botman was withdrawn by Eddie Howe and replaced by Fabian Schar. United’s head coach has since revealed that the Dutchman hadn’t suffered a concussion, but did sustain a ‘nasty looking’ cut that required staples.

Although Botman may not start tonight, having him available for selection comes as a major boost, particularly with Newcastle’s current injuries in defence.

Eddie Howe confirms Tottenham Hotspur rotation plans

The Magpies head coach revealed on Tuesday that he would rotate his starting XI and offer a chance to some members of the squad to impress him and get some minutes under their belt: “It’s an important decision I’ve got coming up for this game because we want to progress, this competition means a lot to us as current holders and we don’t want to give that up easily,” Howe said. “But I have to trust the squad as well.

“We have some very good players that need football and need the opportunity to show their talents and what they can bring to the squad. So I think there will be an element [of rotation] but I have to try and get the balance right.”

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United injury news

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of his side’s clash with Spurs, Howe confirmed that Tino Livramento, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Hall would all not feature. Livramento and Wissa have been sidelined by knee injuries and neither will feature tonight.

The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.

Howe wasn’t drawn in on pinpointing an exact date for Wissa’s return to action, though, but hinted that he could feature before the next international break: “I don't know, it's very difficult for me to give a game for you,” Howe admitted.

“Yoane’s in a different boat to the other two [Hall and Livramento] because he's coming from further back fitness-wise. He's been out longer.

“Yoane, he's still on track but we need to make sure that he's gone through a mini pre-season with us as well.”

Hall, meanwhile, could make a return to action at the weekend against West Ham, but Howe confirmed that the clash with Spurs would come ‘too soon’ for the defender. Harrison Ashby is also sidelined with injury.