Preview: Newcastle vs. Tottenham

The Premier League is back, and after a summer of pure discontent, (again) Rafael Benitez will look to galvanise his players ahead of another tough campaign.

Newcastle defender Florian Lejeune has had surgery on the knee injury he suffered in pre-season and will miss a large chunk of the season. Either Ciaran Clark or new boy Fabian Schär will slot in alongisde captain Jamaal Lascelles. Federico Fernandez is not available just yet.

Jonjo Shelvey will start, hoping for a much better outing this season on the opening day, after last season’s red card. Mo Diame should be fit to start alongside him, although Ki Seung-Yeung is also an option.

Newcastle fans will be delighted to see the return of Kenedy to St James’ Park. The Brazilian was outstanding during the second part of last season.

New signings Yoshinori Muto and Salomon Rondon are also available for selection, and will both be pushing for a start on Saturday.

Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has said he will decide after training on Friday which of his players who played at the World Cup will be available.

Juan Foyth is most definitely out, meaning Jan Vertonghen may have to be rushed back into the XI. Toby Alderweireld could still leave the club, and is unlikely to start the game.

Kieran Trippier is unlikely to be risked after his World Cup exploits, so Serge Aurier will be given the chance to cement his place ahead of the new season.

Victor Wanyama and Harry Winks are also absent because of injury. Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier is the most obvious central midfield partnership for Spurs.

Erik Lamela is another who will miss out. The Argentine has been struggling with fitness for a few seasons now. Dele Alli may well have to sit out the opening game too. Lucas Moura could therefore be given his chance from the start, something he found hard to come by after his arrival in January.

Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

Harry Kane will probably lead the Spurs attack, even after a hectic summer at the world cup. He will be looking to end his August goal scoring voodoo.

Likely line-ups

Newcastle: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett, Shelvey, Diame, Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy, Rondon

Spurs: Lloris, Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies, Dier, Dembele, Son, Eriksen, Lucas, Kane

Score prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

How to watch:

The match will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports, as well as NBC sports for our American readers and you can also follow along by tuning into BBC Radio Newcastle’s live commentary, courtesy of the official NUFC website.