It's a midfield battle that will thrill Newcastle fans as the new boy prepares to make his debut
(Image: Zach Forster/Sports Press Photo/SPP/Shutterstock)
Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle has hinted that Nico Gonzalez is in place to face Toon old boy Sandro Tonali at Spurs.
Having hinted that Tonali's first appearance in a Tottenham shirt playing against Newcastle could motivate his players, Jaissle revealed that the £50m signing from Manchester City had looked good in training in the past 48 hours. A debut for the Spain Under-21 international would be a major boost for the 3,083 strong Toon Army heading to the capital this weekend for another London invasion.
When asked about Gonzalez's chances of playing, Jaissle said: "He [Gonzalez] trained with us and he looked sharp. He is a smart player, he has huge potential, and already he brings huge quality to the squad.
"He has a huge potential and already brings so much quality in the squad, so I think he will adapt fast into our system, into our way of playing and then we can enjoy."
Jaissle already has one point on the board in the Premier League after the creditable draw against Liverpool at St James' Park, but now seeks his first victory in his maiden away game in English football. Newcastle won 2-1 at the venue earlier in the year, and a repeat would help continue the early feel-good factor Jaissle has brought to Tyneside.
Looking at the game itself, Jaissle said: "We will be facing a top team and it is a difficult challenge. But we will not change our approach. We are facing a really strong opponent, but with our playing style, we can cause any opponent's problems."
A win at Spurs would help cement a strong early position in the upper half of the table with Jaissle staying cautious about expectations at this stage of the campaign.
However, he also suggested that the team have nothing to fear and should take on the challenge in front of them with both hands.
The ex-Hoffenheim centre-back said: "We're doing our best and have a clear picture of what to expect.
"But we also need to be honest. We are facing a top, top team that will fight for the top places in the table for sure with these signings. But it's a good challenge."
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