Tottenham vs Newcastle: De Zerbi Aims for First League Points

Tottenham Hotspur walk back into Premier League action on Saturday with a bruise still throbbing from opening weekend – and a point to prove.

A 3-0 defeat at Brentford left Roberto De Zerbi’s side bottomed out and short of answers. The response in midweek was emphatic: a 5-1 Carabao Cup dismantling of Charlton Athletic that at least reminded everyone of the attacking punch in this squad.

Now comes the real test. Newcastle United at home, under the lights, and Tottenham still hunting their first league points of the season.

Injuries bite, but shape takes form

De Zerbi has to juggle. Again.

Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odebert are all still sidelined with knee injuries, stripping creativity and width from his options. Mohammed Kudus, another key attacking outlet, misses out with a thigh problem.

James Maddison’s absence stings most. The playmaker is expected to be out for a couple of weeks with a fractured shoulder, robbing Spurs of their chief schemer between the lines. Pape Sarr is a doubt too, nursing a thigh issue that leaves the midfield balance in question right up to kick-off.

So De Zerbi leans on what he does have: energy, aggression and a back line that suddenly looks more familiar.

Van de Ven and Porro push to start

Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro came off the bench against Charlton. That cameo should now turn into a full return to the Premier League XI.

Porro is poised to reclaim the right-back spot from Archie Gray, offering more thrust going forward and a sharper delivery into the box. Van de Ven, whose pace and recovery defending Tottenham missed badly at Brentford, is in line to start alongside compatriot Jan Paul van Hecke in the heart of defence.

On the left, Andrew Robertson is currently favoured over Destiny Udogie, bringing experience, leadership and a relentless engine down that flank.

Behind them, Antonin Kinsky is expected to keep his place in goal after midweek. He did enough to convince De Zerbi that, for now, the shirt is his.

Tonali faces former club in key midfield role

In midfield, the narrative writes itself. Sandro Tonali is set to start against his former club, anchoring the centre of the pitch in what could be a defining battle of the evening.

Tonali is likely to line up with Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher. Fernandes offers control and tidiness in possession; Gallagher brings the legs, the pressing, the chaos. Between them, they must outwork and outthink Newcastle’s engine room.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall provide strong alternatives if De Zerbi wants to change the tempo or tighten things up, but the first whistle should find them on the bench.

Savio stakes his claim

Up front, one performance has changed the conversation.

Savio came off the bench against Charlton, scored, assisted, and lit up the game. That impact has pushed him into serious contention for a starting place on the right of a front three.

If rewarded, he will flank Richarlison through the middle and Mathys Tel on the opposite side. Richarlison needs goals and rhythm; Tel offers direct running and fearless movement. Together with Savio’s spark, it’s a front line that can unsettle Newcastle if given space.

New loan signing Omar Marmoush, whose move from Manchester City was confirmed on Thursday, is expected to start among the substitutes. De Zerbi will likely use him as a second-half weapon rather than throwing him straight into the XI.

Predicted Tottenham XI vs Newcastle

De Zerbi is expected to stick with a 4-3-3:

Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Richarlison, Tel.

It’s a team built to press, to run and to hit quickly in transition. It’s also a team under pressure to deliver.

Kick-off, TV details and what’s at stake

The Premier League clash kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Tottenham have their first win of the season in the cup. Now they need their first points in the league.

If De Zerbi’s men can turn that midweek swagger into Premier League steel, this could be the night their campaign finally starts.