Roberto De Zerbi Faces Key Decisions Ahead of Newcastle Clash

Roberto De Zerbi has a decision to make. Several, in fact.

His Egyptian forward, unused in the comeback win over Bournemouth last weekend, is fully fit. De Zerbi is clear on that. The question is not whether he can play, but how much and from where.

Does he tear up a winning formula and start him ahead of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke? Or does he hold him back as a weapon from the bench, trusting the pair who helped City turn it around in that 2-1 victory?

Savio’s rapid rise

One new face barely gave him time to think. Savio has walked into north London and immediately looked at home.

Signed from City in a deal worth up to £85million earlier this week, the Brazilian lit up the Carabao Cup second round against Charlton. A goal. An assist. A statement.

Now he is in line for his first Premier League start. De Zerbi name-checked him among those “available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game”, and the temptation to unleash him from the off against Newcastle is obvious.

Defensive puzzle for De Zerbi

At the back, the picture is just as intriguing.

Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both got their first minutes of the season off the bench in that Charlton tie. Both are now in contention to start. De Zerbi confirmed it himself: Van de Ven “is right to play”, Porro is ready, and the options are finally starting to stack up.

Yet there is a clear note of caution. Van de Ven has been managing an injury and his Spurs career has already been punctured by muscle problems. De Zerbi does not want to gamble with a key defender so early in the campaign, especially with the schedule tightening.

Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is pushing for a place on the bench, adding another attacking option to a squad that suddenly looks far deeper than it did a few weeks ago.

Udogie boost, Maddison plan

There was more good news in defence. Destiny Udogie came through 60 minutes, exactly as planned, and De Zerbi could not hide his relief.

“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,” he said, grouping the full-backs together as vital pieces now back in the frame.

James Maddison sits in a different category: crucial, but carefully managed. Asked if supporters would need to be patient as the 29-year-old searches for rhythm and a consistent run of games, De Zerbi was firm that the club are working to a clear plan.

They want Maddison back at his best, not just back on the pitch. No shortcuts, no rush.

With Newcastle looming, the choices are stacking up for De Zerbi. Restored stars, record signings, returning defenders. The squad finally looks like his. Now comes the hard part: getting every call right when the whistle blows.