De Zerbi's Selection Dilemma Ahead of Newcastle Clash
Roberto De Zerbi faces a selection puzzle ahead of Newcastle’s visit, but he insists there is no issue with his headline attacking option.
The Egyptian forward, left on the bench as an unused substitute in the comeback win over Bournemouth last weekend, is fully fit. That much De Zerbi made clear. The dilemma now is tactical, not medical.
Does he throw him straight in from the start and dislodge Richarlison or Dominic Solanke? Or does he hold him back as a weapon among the substitutes, as City were forced to watch last week? Those are the calls that will shape the look of his front line.
Savio’s fast start raises the stakes
Savio has already cranked up the competition. The Brazilian, signed from City in a deal worth up to £85million earlier this week, wasted no time announcing himself in north London.
A goal. An assist. A sparkling Carabao Cup second-round cameo against Charlton that looked every bit like a statement rather than a gentle introduction.
Now he is in line to make his full debut, and that changes the dynamic again. De Zerbi name-checked him among those ready not just to feature, but potentially to start.
Van de Ven and Porro push for starts
At the back, there are more big decisions. Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both got their first minutes of the season off the bench in that Charlton tie, and both are in contention to start against Newcastle.
Van de Ven’s case is complicated. The Dutch defender has been managing an injury and has a history of muscle problems during his Spurs career. De Zerbi is tempted, but wary.
“Van de Ven is right to play. We have to look, we have to understand the beginning part of the game,” he said, underlining the fine line between using a key player and risking a setback.
Porro, like Savio, is firmly in the frame to start. Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is pushing for a place on the bench as he edges closer to forcing his way into the matchday plans.
Udogie boost, Maddison handled with care
There was more positive news at full-back. “Like Savio, like Pedro, Marmoush is available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game. Robertson is like Udogie. Udogie is a good news for us because Udogie is very important and he played well 60 minutes, like was the plan,” De Zerbi explained.
That managed 60-minute outing for Udogie underlined the careful approach being taken with players returning from issues, and the same applies to James Maddison.
Asked if supporters would need to show patience as Maddison looks to string together a consistent run of games, De Zerbi made it clear the club are working to a strict plan. The priority is to bring the 29-year-old back in peak condition, not to rush him into the starting XI just to satisfy the urge for instant impact.
With Newcastle looming and new signings already making noise, De Zerbi’s next team sheet will say plenty about how he intends to balance risk, rhythm and the growing firepower at his disposal.
