Roberto De Zerbi Names Bold XI Against Newcastle

Roberto De Zerbi has rolled the dice again.

Tottenham’s head coach has named a bold, tweaked XI to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, as he looks to stretch his unbeaten home run in charge of Spurs to six matches in all competitions.

That sequence includes the summer friendly win over Hoffenheim and, more significantly, Wednesday night’s 5-1 dismantling of Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. De Zerbi wants that midweek swagger to spill straight into league business.

Marmoush straight in, Savio sidelined

New signing Omar Marmoush wastes no time. Fresh from completing an initial loan move from Manchester City, the forward goes straight into the side and leads the line.

One big attacking name is missing, though. There is no Savio in the squad. De Zerbi revealed to Sky Sports that the Brazilian was ruled out late.

“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.

Porro pushed on, Van de Ven returns

At the back and down the right flank, there is another notable tweak. World Cup winner Pedro Porro makes his first start of the season and is set to operate high on the right wing, ahead of Archie Gray, giving Spurs an aggressive outlet on that side.

Captain Micky van de Ven is also handed his first start of the campaign. His recovery pace will be crucial in dealing with the threat of Anthony Elanga, with De Zerbi clearly wary of Newcastle’s speed in transition.

On the left, Destiny Udogie drops out of the XI after his strong showing in midweek. The Italian is being managed carefully, so Andy Robertson steps in at left-back to add experience and control.

Tonali–Bentancur axis, options in reserve

In midfield, De Zerbi turns to a high-calibre pairing. Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentancur start alongside each other, offering bite, passing range and tempo in the centre of the pitch. Just ahead of them, Mateus Fernandes is expected to operate as the advanced midfielder, linking play and pressing high.

Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall provide energy and versatility from the bench, giving De Zerbi room to adjust the midfield picture as the game opens up.

Mohammed Kudus is also named among the substitutes after returning to full training, another serious weapon to call on if Spurs need a spark.

There is no place, though, for Richarlison, Kevin Danso or Pape Matar Sarr. All three have been heavily linked with moves away from north London, and their absence only fuels the sense that this squad is shifting quickly under De Zerbi’s watch.

The Italian has made his choices. Newcastle now get their say.