De Zerbi's Tottenham Debut: Expectations and Predicted Lineup

Roberto De Zerbi is the epitome of Tottenham's motto, 'To Dare is To Do'. With over a week to assess his new squad, he faces a daunting task of ensuring the club's Premier League survival. Despite the attractive nature of the job, the team is plagued by low confidence and injuries, as seen during Igor Tudor's tenure. However, De Zerbi's exceptional talent and front-footed approach may be the catalyst for a turnaround. The players have reportedly enjoyed their initial training sessions under the Italian, which could boost morale. De Zerbi's first game in charge is against Sunderland, with Tottenham needing a win to escape the relegation zone. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario's unavailability due to hernia surgery means Antonin Kinsky will start, while 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 is uncertain, with Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and Joao Palhinha being potential options. De Zerbi may favor a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Xavi Simons potentially starting in the No. 10 role. Mathys Tel and Richarlison could occupy the wings, while Dominic Solanke may lead the attack. To succeed, De Zerbi must simplify his tactics and instill confidence in his players. A first league win of 2026 would be a significant step towards revival. With the right mindset and focus, defenders Romero and Van de Ven can help Tottenham embark on a winning streak. Ultimately, De Zerbi's primary objective is to ensure Premier League survival, and he must prevent relegation to pave the way for future investigations and reviews.