Roberto De Zerbi's Dilemma: Starting Savio or Holding Back?

Roberto De Zerbi has a decision to make. Several, in fact.

The Egyptian forward, left on the bench as an unused substitute during City’s comeback win over Bournemouth last weekend, is fully fit. De Zerbi made that clear. The dilemma is not about his condition, but his role.

Does he throw him straight in from the start, dislodging one of Richarlison or Dominic Solanke? Or does he keep him as a weapon among the substitutes, holding something back for later in the game? That attacking jigsaw will shape how bold Spurs look against Newcastle.

Savio ready for centre stage

One new face barely needed time to announce himself.

Savio, signed from City in a deal worth up to £85million earlier in the week, lit up his first outing in north London. A goal and an assist in the Carabao Cup second-round win over Charlton was exactly the kind of debut that changes a manager’s plans overnight.

Now he is in line to make his full debut. De Zerbi namechecked him as “available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game”, and the Brazilian’s sharp introduction has piled even more pressure on the established forwards to keep their places.

Defensive calls and injury caution

At the back, the picture is just as intriguing.

Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both got their first minutes of the season off the bench against Charlton, stepping into competitive action at last. De Zerbi confirmed that both are in contention to start against Newcastle, which would significantly reshape the back line.

Van de Ven’s situation is delicate. The Dutch defender has been managing an injury and has a history of muscle problems during his Spurs career. De Zerbi admitted he may not be risked, leaning towards caution with a player he described as “right to play” but still needing careful handling.

“Like Savio, like Pedro, Marmoush is available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game,” De Zerbi said, outlining the range of options suddenly at his disposal.

There was more positive news at full-back. “Robertson is like Udogie. Udogie is a good news for us because Udogie is very important and he played well 60 minutes, like was the plan,” the head coach added, pleased that the managed minutes had gone exactly as intended.

Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is pushing for a place on the bench, another attacking option edging closer to involvement.

Managing Maddison’s return

The final piece of the puzzle sits in midfield.

Asked whether supporters would need to show patience with James Maddison as he searches for rhythm and a consistent run of games, De Zerbi stressed that the club are working to a clear plan. The aim is to bring the 29-year-old back in the best possible condition, not to rush him into heavy minutes and risk another setback.

It leaves De Zerbi with a squad suddenly rich in talent but laced with fine margins over fitness and timing. Against a high-intensity Newcastle side, he will discover quickly whether his balancing act has set Spurs up for a surge or another nervy afternoon.