Nico Gonzalez has been thrown immediately into the Newcastle United starting line-up.

Matthias Jaissle has thrown Nico Gonzalez into the Newcastle United deep end with a debut start against Tottenham Hotspur.

Toon chiefs stumped up £55million to sign the Spaniard on Wednesday. A raucous St James’ Park crowd welcomed Gonzalez - giving him a taste of the famous Geordie hospitality.

He will now experience Newcastle’s travelling support for the first time, with Jaissle including the new man in the starting line-up. Gonzalez - alongside Lewis Miley - will be tasked with neutralising Sandro Tonali’s presence in midfield.

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Lukas Hornicek returns to the side after a midweek rest. In defence, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw and Amar Dedic start for the third consecutive game.

A three-pronged support act of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Anthony Elanga will supply the bullets to Yoane Wissa in attack. The Magpies are aiming for their second win at the Tottenham Hotspur in 2026 following February’s 2-1 triumph.

Newcastle United XI vs Tottenham Hotspur

Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Miley; Barnes, Willock, Elanga; Wissa

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Nico Gonzalez on Matthias Jaissle

On singing for Newcastle, Gonzalez revealed that Jaissle was a deciding factor. He said: "He made me know that I was very important for him. To be honest this is my fifth club and this is the first time anyone has made me feel like this.

"I haven't played yet, but I feel so much trust from the coach and the club, this was something that was really important for me. I was impressed. The first time he talked to me I was like, ok they really want me, they really appreciate me and want me to come."

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