Tottenham vs Newcastle: De Zerbi Aims for First Points After Tough Start
Tottenham Hotspur walk back into Premier League action on Saturday knowing the table already makes uncomfortable reading. No points. No goals. A 3-0 opening-day beating at Brentford still stings.
The mood shifted a little in midweek. A 5-1 Carabao Cup dismantling of Charlton Athletic gave Roberto De Zerbi something tangible to cling to: sharp movement, ruthless finishing, and the first real glimpse of what his reworked Spurs might look like when the pieces click.
Now he has to drag that energy into a far harsher spotlight against Newcastle United.
Injuries bite as De Zerbi shuffles the pack
The optimism is tempered by a brutal injury list. Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odebert are all still out with knee problems, stripping creativity and width from the squad. Mohammed Kudus, expected to be a central figure this season, is missing with a thigh issue.
James Maddison, the natural hub of Spurs’ attacking play, is set to be out for a couple of weeks with a fractured shoulder. Pape Sarr is a doubt with his own thigh complaint, another potential hole in a midfield that needs bite and balance against Newcastle’s intensity.
So De Zerbi leans on what he does have: mobility, aggression, and a handful of new and returning options desperate to make a mark.
Defensive reset on the cards
The back line looks set for a subtle but significant reshuffle. Antonin Kinsky, who started in the cup, is expected to keep his place in goal. In front of him, the full-back positions could define Spurs’ approach.
Pedro Porro, used from the bench against Charlton, is poised to come back into the XI at right-back, likely at the expense of Archie Gray. On the opposite flank, Andrew Robertson is currently favoured over Destiny Udogie, a choice that leans on experience and delivery from deep.
At centre-back, Micky van de Ven is pushing hard for a return to the starting side after his substitute appearance in midweek. If he comes in, he is likely to partner compatriot Jan Paul van Hecke, giving Spurs a Dutch axis at the heart of their defence – quick across the ground, comfortable stepping into midfield, and vital against Newcastle’s direct runners.
Tonali reunion and a crowded midfield battle
The narrative in midfield writes itself. Sandro Tonali is set to start against his former club, a meeting loaded with subtext and scrutiny. De Zerbi appears ready to hand him a central role in a three alongside Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher.
That trio offers a blend of control, pressing and vertical passing. Gallagher’s energy, Fernandes’ composure and Tonali’s range will have to carry the load, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall waiting in reserve if the game demands fresh legs or a different rhythm.
For Tonali, this is more than just another league fixture. It is a chance to reassert his authority in a Tottenham shirt against the side that once built their plans around him.
Savio stakes his claim in attack
Up front, the picture is clearer – and more exciting. Savio lit up his debut against Charlton, coming off the bench to produce a goal and an assist. Performances like that are hard to ignore. He is pushing strongly for a start on the right of a front three.
Richarlison is expected to lead the line, a focal point who badly needs a Premier League goal to ignite his season. To his left, Mathys Tel offers pace, direct running and the kind of fearlessness De Zerbi loves.
New loan signing Omar Marmoush, whose switch from Manchester City was confirmed on Thursday, is likely to start on the bench. His time will come, but De Zerbi is unlikely to rip up a front line that just delivered five goals in midweek.
Predicted Tottenham XI
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting XI (4-3-3): Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Richarlison, Tel.
Stage, time, spotlight
Kick-off is set for 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with the match broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Tottenham have their first league points of the season to chase, a patched-up squad to trust, and a demanding manager who has already shown he will not accept excuses.
The question now is simple: does that Charlton performance mark the start of something, or was it just a brief escape from the hard reality of the Premier League?
