Roberto De Zerbi Names Bold Tottenham Line-Up Against Newcastle
Roberto De Zerbi has rolled the dice again.
The Tottenham head coach has named a bold, attacking side to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, as he looks to stretch his unbeaten home run in charge to six games in all competitions.
Spurs swept aside Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, their first win of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and De Zerbi has wasted no time in reshaping the XI for top-flight duty.
Marmoush straight in, Savio ruled out
New signing Omar Marmoush goes straight into the team, leading the line after completing his initial loan move from Manchester City. The forward is trusted from the off, a clear sign of how quickly De Zerbi wants him embedded into the system.
One notable absentee is Savio. The winger is not in the squad at all after suffering muscle fatigue on the eve of the game. De Zerbi told Sky Sports that the medical staff refused to take a risk and that he agreed with their call, adding that Savio is expected to be available for the trip to Nottingham Forest next week.
Porro and Van de Ven make first league starts
World Cup winner Pedro Porro is handed his first start of the season and is set to operate high on the right flank, ahead of Archie Gray. It is an aggressive selection, with Porro’s delivery and attacking instincts likely to be central to Spurs’ approach.
Captain Micky van de Ven also comes in for his first start of the campaign. His recovery pace will be crucial against the threat of Anthony Elanga, with De Zerbi clearly aware of Newcastle’s ability to break quickly into space.
On the opposite side, Destiny Udogie drops out of the XI after his strong performance in midweek. The Italian is being managed carefully, so Andy Robertson starts at left-back, bringing experience and control to that side of the pitch.
Tonali–Bentancur axis in midfield
In midfield, De Zerbi turns to a heavyweight pairing. Sandro Tonali lines up alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, a duo built for control and tempo. Just ahead of them, Mateus Fernandes is expected to operate between the lines, linking play and pressing high.
Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall must settle for places on the bench, giving De Zerbi energetic options if the game opens up in the second half.
Big names left out as moves loom
Mohammed Kudus returns to the matchday squad and is named among the substitutes after resuming full training, offering a serious attacking weapon off the bench.
There is no such involvement for Richarlison, Kevin Danso or Pape Matar Sarr. All three have been left out amid ongoing speculation about their futures and possible moves away from north London.
De Zerbi’s choices send a clear message: form, fitness and tactical fit trump reputation. Against a Newcastle side that punishes hesitation, this is a Tottenham team picked to play on the front foot and live with the consequences.
