Tottenham's Bold XI Against Newcastle: De Zerbi's New Lineup
Roberto De Zerbi has rolled the dice again.
The Tottenham head coach has named a bold, attacking XI to face Newcastle United on Saturday, as Spurs look to stretch their unbeaten home run under the Italian to six matches in all competitions.
That sequence includes the summer friendly against Hoffenheim and, more importantly, Wednesday night’s 5-1 dismantling of Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup. The mood around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has shifted quickly, and De Zerbi has picked a side that screams intent.
Marmoush straight in, Savio sidelined
New signing Omar Marmoush goes straight into the team after completing his initial loan move from Manchester City. The forward leads the line, a rapid promotion that underlines how highly De Zerbi rates him.
One notable omission, though: there is no Savio in the squad. De Zerbi revealed to Sky Sports that the winger suffered muscle fatigue on the eve of the game and the medical staff advised against risking him.
“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,” De Zerbi said, adding that Savio is expected to be available for the clash with Forest next week.
Porro pushed high, Van de Ven returns
At the back, there is a significant reshuffle. 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, giving Spurs extra width and delivery on that side.
Captain Micky van de Ven also comes in for his first start of the campaign. His recovery pace will be crucial in dealing with the threat of Anthony Elanga, with De Zerbi clearly planning for quick transitions and high defensive risks.
On the left, Destiny Udogie drops out of the XI after his strong midweek performance, as the staff manage his workload carefully. Andy Robertson steps in at left-back, bringing experience and a trusted left foot to balance Porro’s attacking surges on the opposite side.
Tonali–Bentancur axis in midfield
The midfield has a new core. Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentancur line up together, a technically gifted and combative pairing that should give Spurs control in the centre and a platform to build from deep.
Ahead of them, Mateus Fernandes is expected to take up the central advanced role, linking play and pressing from the front. Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall are held in reserve on the bench, ready to inject energy or control as the game demands.
Big names on the bench – and some missing entirely
Mohammed Kudus returns to the matchday squad and starts on the bench after making it back to full training. His presence gives De Zerbi a major option if he needs a spark in the second half.
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 from the squad will only fuel talk over their futures as the window ticks on.
De Zerbi’s selection sends a clear message: form, fitness and tactical fit rule the day. Newcastle arrive as a stern test, but Spurs’ head coach has doubled down on aggression, pace and technical quality.
Now it’s over to his players to show that Wednesday’s five-goal surge was not a one-off, but the start of a new home identity under his watch.
