Here is how Tottenham could line up against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Winless Premier League sides lock horns at the City Ground on Saturday when Tottenham visit Nottingham Forest.
Spurs have yet to collect a point under Roberto De Zerbi this Premier League season despite a summer of big spending. After getting battered on the opening weekend at Brentford, they were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United at home. Goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa were enough to pile early pressure on Roberto De Zerbi.
The Lilywhites added Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhaylo Mudryk from Chelsea on deadline day to further bolster their squad. This further demonstrated the club hierarchy’s backing for Roberto De Zerbi, but it goes without saying that the 47-year-old will be under pressure heading into the game against Nottingham Forest, who drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
That said, here is the predicted Tottenham lineup for the upcoming league fixture vs. the Tricky Trees.
Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky
It has not been an ideal start to the season for Antonin Kinsky. He has already conceded four goals across two games, which is why Kinsky must be desperate to get his first clean sheet of the season against Nottingham Forest.
Defence: Pedro Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
De Zerbi is expected to make some adjustments to his backline on Saturday. Pedro Porro could get back to his natural position after playing as a right-winger in the defeat to Newcastle United. With the Spaniard starting at right-back, Archie Gray should drop to the bench.
Summer signing Andy Robertson hasn’t performed badly across two games, but to combat Forest’s wing-backs, De Zerbi could prefer the pacey and physical Destiny Udogie at left-back. Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven will lead the side and partner his compatriot Jan Paul van Hecke in central defence once again.
Midfield: Sandro Tonali, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mateus Fernandes
Sandro Tonali delivered another below-par performance in a Tottenham shirt. He was hooked in the second half against his former club that led to sarcastic claps and jeers from the travelling Newcastle contingent. Nonetheless, the Italian should retain his place in De Zerbi’s XI.
Tonali will form the double pivot with Rodrigo Bentancur in the middle of the park. They will try to take control of the game as early as possible and create chances for the forwards. Mateus Fernandes will act as the link between midfield and attack.
Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher might get opportunities off the bench.
Attack: Mathys Tel, Omar Marmoush, Mohammed Kudus
Tottenham were handed a big boost last weekend when Mohammed Kudus returned from a serious quad injury that had sidelined him since January. The Ghanaian looked lively and could be rewarded with a start on the right flank. Mathys Tel should retain his spot on the opposite flank, with Omar Marmoush expected to get the nod ahead of Dominic Solanke again to lead the attack.
Savio was a notable omission from the Newcastle game due to muscle fatigue, but De Zerbi hoped the Brazilian would be back for the trip to Forest. New signing Mudryk could be an option to come off the bench and stretch Forest’s defence.