De Zerbi's Tottenham Debut: What to Expect and Predicted Lineup

Roberto De Zerbi is the embodiment of Tottenham's motto, 'To Dare is To Do'. With over a week of working with his new squad, he has a clear understanding of the challenges ahead to keep the club in the Premier League. Despite the attractive nature of the job, the players are struggling with low confidence and numerous injuries, as seen during Igor Tudor's tenure. However, De Zerbi is confident that he can still prevent relegation with the talent at his disposal. The players have responded positively to his arrival, enjoying the initial training sessions under the Italian coach. This optimism will be put to the test in De Zerbi's first game in charge against Sunderland on Sunday, with Tottenham currently in the relegation zone. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is unavailable due to hernia surgery, so Antonin Kinsky will start. De Zerbi is likely to opt for a back four consisting of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie. The midfield pairing will be an interesting decision, with Lucas Bergvall potentially benefiting from De Zerbi's appointment and starting alongside Archie Gray. Alternatively, Joao Palhinha could be chosen for his experience and tenacity. In attack, Xavi Simons may be given a chance in the No 10 role, where he is more effective, while Mathys Tel and Richarlison could start on the wings, with Dominic Solanke up front. De Zerbi's primary objective is to simplify the game and tactics to maximize short-term returns, focusing on boosting player confidence. A first league win of 2026 would be a significant step towards achieving this goal. With the right mindset, defenders like Romero and Van de Ven can play a crucial role in sparking a run of victories. Ultimately, De Zerbi's task is to prevent relegation and ensure Premier League survival, and it will be fascinating to see how he navigates this challenge.