Roberto De Zerbi's Tactical Dilemma: Starting XI Choices Ahead of Newcastle Clash
Roberto De Zerbi has a decision to make in attack, but it will not be based on fitness.
The Egyptian forward, unused in the comeback win over Bournemouth last weekend, is fully fit and ready. De Zerbi’s dilemma is a tactical one: does he throw him straight into the starting XI at the expense of Richarlison or Dominic Solanke, or keep him as a weapon on the bench?
Savio ready for centre stage
All eyes may instead fall on Savio. The Brazilian is in line for his full debut after exploding into life in midweek.
Signed from City in a deal worth up to £85million, Savio wasted no time justifying the fee, scoring and assisting in the Carabao Cup second-round win over Charlton. It was the kind of debut that forces a manager to rethink his pecking order. Now, with Newcastle up next, De Zerbi must decide whether that cameo was a spark or the start of something more permanent.
Van de Ven and Porro push for starts
There is movement at the back too. Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both got their first minutes of the season off the bench against Charlton, and De Zerbi confirmed the pair are in contention to start against Newcastle.
Mohammed Kudus is also pushing for a spot among the substitutes as competition intensifies across the squad.
Van de Ven’s situation is more delicate. The Dutch defender has been managing an injury and has a history of muscle problems during his Spurs career. De Zerbi is tempted to use him but knows the risk.
“Van de Ven is right to play. We have to look, we have to understand the beginning part of the game. Like Savio, like Pedro, Marmoush is available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game. 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,” De Zerbi said in his pre-match press conference.
That cautious tone underlines the balancing act: push hard now, or protect key legs for the months ahead.
Maddison’s return handled with care
James Maddison is another being handled with precision rather than urgency.
Asked if fans would need patience as the 29-year-old chases a consistent run of games, De Zerbi made it clear the club are following a structured plan to bring him back in peak condition, not just throw him into the fire for a short-term boost.
With Newcastle looming and competition for places intensifying, De Zerbi’s choices in the next XI will say plenty about how he intends to manage this season’s long haul.
