Roberto De Zerbi's Bold XI Against Newcastle United

Roberto De Zerbi has rolled the dice again.

Tottenham’s head coach has named a bold, tweaked XI for the Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday, as he looks to stretch his unbeaten home run in charge to six matches in all competitions.

De Zerbi leans into momentum

Spurs arrive at this one on the back of their first league win of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a thumping 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. The mood has shifted. So has the team sheet.

New signing Omar Marmoush, only just through the door on an initial loan from Manchester City, goes straight into the side to lead the line. De Zerbi wastes no time. Marmoush is in from the start.

Savio, though, is nowhere to be seen. De Zerbi revealed to Sky Sports that the winger was ruled out late on.

“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,” the Italian said, adding that Savio is expected to be available for the trip to face Forest next week.

Big calls across the pitch

At the back and down the flanks, there are more significant calls. World Cup winner Pedro Porro is handed his first start of the season and is set to operate high on the right, ahead of Archie Gray. It is an attacking statement on that side.

In the heart of defence, captain Micky van de Ven also makes his first start of the campaign. His pace will be crucial in dealing with the threat of Anthony Elanga, whose speed on the break has already caused problems this season.

On the left, Destiny Udogie is managed carefully after an impressive midweek outing. The Italian drops to the bench as Andy Robertson comes in at left-back, offering experience and control in a game that could open up quickly.

Midfield power and notable absences

The midfield has a different feel to it as well. De Zerbi pairs Sandro Tonali with Rodrigo Bentancur, a technically gifted and combative duo tasked with dictating the tempo. Just ahead of them, Mateus Fernandes is expected to operate in the central attacking role, linking play and pressing from the front.

Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall must wait their turn, both named among the substitutes.

There is also a place on the bench for Mohammed Kudus, who has returned to full training and edges back towards full involvement. His presence gives De Zerbi a serious option if the game turns into a tactical battle late on.

The omissions are just as telling. There is no Richarlison, no Kevin Danso, and no Pape Matar Sarr in the squad, with all three players currently linked with moves away from north London. Their absence underlines the sense of transition around this Tottenham side.

De Zerbi has made his choices. Newcastle will reveal how bold they really are.