Tottenham's Bold Lineup Against Newcastle: De Zerbi's Strategic Changes
Roberto De Zerbi has rolled the dice again.
Tottenham’s head coach has named a bold, attacking side to face Newcastle United on Saturday, as he looks to stretch his unbeaten home run in charge to six matches in all competitions.
Spurs arrive at this one with a bit of swagger. They smashed Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, their first win of the season on home turf, and De Zerbi has wasted little time in reshaping the feel of his XI.
Marmoush goes straight in, Savio ruled out
New signing Omar Marmoush, only just through the door after completing an initial loan move from Manchester City, is thrown straight into the side to lead the line. No easing-in period, no gentle cameo. He starts.
Savio, though, is nowhere to be seen. De Zerbi revealed to Sky Sports that the winger suffered muscle fatigue on the eve of the game.
“There was bad news yesterday, before training in the afternoon. He suffered muscle fatigue and the medical staff didn’t want to take a risk. I agree with them,” the Italian said, adding that Savio is expected to be available for the clash with Forest next week.
Big calls at the back and out wide
There is a significant change on the right flank. World Cup winner Pedro Porro makes his first start of the season and is set to operate high on that side, effectively at right wing, with Archie Gray dropping out of the firing line.
At the heart of defence, captain Micky van de Ven is also handed his first start of the campaign. His recovery speed will be crucial against the threat of Anthony Elanga, with De Zerbi clearly prioritising pace against Newcastle’s counters.
On the left, Destiny Udogie is managed carefully after his strong midweek showing. The Italian full-back makes way, with Andy Robertson coming in at left-back to add experience and balance.
Tonali–Bentancur axis in midfield
In midfield, De Zerbi goes with craft and control. Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentancur line up alongside one another, a technically polished pairing designed to dictate tempo and squeeze Newcastle in central areas.
Ahead of them, Mateus Fernandes is expected to take up the more advanced central role, linking midfield to Marmoush and the wide players. Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall drop to the bench, giving Spurs options to change the tone of the game later on.
Kudus returns, notable absentees
Mohammed Kudus is back among the substitutes after returning to full training, another attacking weapon waiting in reserve.
There is no place in the squad for Richarlison, Kevin Danso or Pape Matar Sarr, with all three currently linked with moves away from the north London club. Their absence underlines just how quickly De Zerbi is reshaping this group.
A new-look spine, a debutant leading the line, and key names missing altogether. For Tottenham, this isn’t just another home game; it feels like another step in De Zerbi’s reshaping of what Spurs are going to be this season.
