Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United: De Zerbi's Bold XI

Roberto De Zerbi has wasted no time putting his stamp on Tottenham. On Saturday, against Newcastle United in the Premier League, his team sheet does the talking.

Spurs arrive at this one protecting an unbeaten home run under the Italian, five games and counting if you include the summer friendly against Hoffenheim. Confidence is rising after Wednesday night’s 5-1 dismantling of Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. De Zerbi clearly wants that momentum to carry straight into the league.

And he’s gone aggressive.

Marmoush straight in, Savio ruled out

New signing Omar Marmoush, only just through the door on an initial loan from Manchester City, is thrown straight into the side to lead the line. No gentle introduction, no easing him in from the bench. He starts.

Savio, though, is nowhere to be seen. De Zerbi revealed to Sky Sports that the attacker 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," he 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’s another big call. World Cup winner Pedro Porro makes his first start of the season and looks set to operate high on the right, ahead of Archie Gray. It’s an attacking statement down that flank, a clear sign De Zerbi wants width and pressure on Newcastle’s left side.

Captain Micky van de Ven is also handed his first start of the campaign. His pace will be crucial in dealing with the threat of Anthony Elanga, whose direct running can shred high defensive lines. Van de Ven’s inclusion hints at an aggressive Spurs backline, ready to squeeze up the pitch.

On the opposite side, Destiny Udogie, impressive in midweek, is being handled carefully. De Zerbi opts to manage his minutes, with Andy Robertson coming in at left-back. It’s a change that brings experience and delivery from deep, while keeping Udogie fresh for the congested schedule ahead.

Tonali–Bentancur axis, Gallagher and Bergvall held back

The heart of the pitch looks as technical as it does combative. Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentancur start together in midfield, a pairing built for control and tempo. Both can dictate play, both can bite in the challenge.

Ahead of them, Mateus Fernandes is expected to operate centrally, offering legs and link play between midfield and attack. It leaves quality on the bench: Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall are held back as options to change the rhythm later in the game.

Big names missing as futures hang in the air

There’s more intrigue among the substitutes. Mohammed Kudus returns to the matchday squad and takes his place on the bench after making it back to full training. He gives De Zerbi a serious weapon to unleash if the game opens up.

But three notable absentees stand out: Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr do not make the squad at all. All three have been linked with moves away from north London, and their omission only sharpens the focus on their futures as the window ticks on.

De Zerbi’s Tottenham are starting to take shape. Saturday’s XI is another clear sign: he wants intensity, he wants control, and he’s not afraid to make big calls to get it.