Yahoo Sports

When an attacking side accelerate play, it is common for the defending team to drop back in an urgent manner, looking to protect their goal.

When this happens, space opens up in front of the defence, for late-arriving midfielders or clever strikers that drop back.

Omar Marmoush has tried to do this on a number of occasions but has not always been found.

This may be a matter of players requiring time to gel. For Savio, it may also be a wide player struggling to pull the ball back on their weak foot.

Left-footed right-winger Savio is better at getting to the byeline but the left-footed Destiny Udogie and Andy Robertson have created clearer chances via crosses.

At Marseille, both right winger and right full-back were comfortable cutting the ball back on their right foot.

These crosses were maximised by the excellent box-movement of 37-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Looking at how Roberto de Zerbi is trying to work, it is easier to see how many of Tottenham's attacking moves are almost there in terms of creating clearer chances.

This is not to say things will be perfect immediately. Successful tactics depend on a team's quality - and Marseille's forwards were excellent finishers who thrived in space.

But if the small details across the pitch are refined, Spurs should create enough chances to score, even if they miss a few.

Roberto De Zerbi is coming under increasing levels of scrutiny at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italian was supposed to be leading Spurs into a new era this season.

A massive summer spend felt as if it was going to lead to a major turnaround after struggles in recent seasons.

Things haven't worked out that way as the Lilywhites are yet to win or even score in the Premier League.

There has been very little positive to say about the N17 outfit throughout this run.

Gary Lineker can't quite believe how bad Tottenham have been and now fears for De Zerbi's future.

What has Gary Lineker said about Roberto De Zerbi?

The Carabao Cup looked to be the distraction that the North Londoners needed in midweek.

After the struggles of the league, a trip to face Liverpool should have been something to be positive about.

Instead, the Lilywhites fell to a 3-1 defeat against a rotated Reds side that featured five players under the age of 22.

That was far from a good look, even with Conor Gallagher getting on the scoresheet.

Lineker now fears for De Zerbi should he not get back on the winning trail immediately.

Speaking on Friday's episode of Stick to Football, he said: "They've had a dreadful start, haven't they? Yes, they've got two draws, but both goalless. He needs to turn things around pretty quickly."

That was echoed by Alan Shearer, who looked ahead to Saturday's all-important meeting with Aston Villa.

The Newcastle legend added: "Can you imagine having defeat on the weekend going into the international break with three weeks off, off the back of that start? That's why they desperately need a win at the weekend."

Everything that the ex-England internationals have said is spot on, but just how bad has it been for De Zerbi?

Roberto De Zerbi told what needs to happen to avoid Tottenham sack ahead of crucial Everton clash What is De Zerbi's record at Tottenham?

The 47-year-old had once looked to be a coup of a pick-up given where Spurs were in the table.

It doesn't necessarily look like that now.

Having now managed 13 games on Hotspur Way, his record is far from good enough.

Just four victories are outweighed by four draws and five defeats, with a win rate of 31 per cent, summing everything up.

An average of 1.2 points-per-game makes his Tottenham stint the worst of his last five jobs, stretching back to 2018.

Everything was summed up by his Lilywhites side clocking up 56 per cent possession, 2.24 expected goals and four big chances in the defeat against Liverpool.

Despite dominating in the stats, his side fell to yet another defeat.

If De Zerbi can't get a season first against Aston Villa, it could be a long international break for the Italian.

If he keeps his job, that is.

Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali and James Maddison are "all available to play" this weekend. Their "physical condition" will be assessed before the match, but "all of them are ready" at present.

Record signing Tonali is "working very hard" to get up to speed after his summer move: "His adaptation hasn't been fast, but the same happened in his first season at AC Milan. I know he was younger then but it isn't easy to change club, city and style of play - sometimes it comes immediately, sometimes it needs more time."

He recognises Maddison's "characteristics, experience and passing qualities" are different to his other options in attacking midfield, with Mohammed Kudus not being a natural number 10 and Mateus Fernandes needing to work on being more decisive.

Dejan Kulusevski, who has not featured at all since May 2025, being back in training to some degree is "great news". The international break will be important for his rehabilitation and he will be "like a new signing" when he is back to full fitness.

De Zerbi was forced to reiterate that Conor Gallagher isn't "underrated" by him: "When he hasn't played this season, it has been because I needed different characteristics for that game. Maybe last season we needed different things and we had less competition in the squad, but I still love him. He is my player, when I call on him he is always ready to play, fight and run."

Tottenham must "stay calm, remain confident and keep trying to be better day by day" to secure their first league win of the season. He promised to show improvement "not by words but by facts", but admitted to never experiencing goalscoring problems in his managerial career.

Selling Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough "wasn't a mistake" because Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush are "good players", plus the Richarlison transfer saga "changed in the last five days of the window". He added: "We have three strikers - how many more do people want me to have in my squad? I think it is enough."

On whether the three-week international break comes at a bad time after building a three-game unbeaten run following a tricky start: "We have to accept it - nothing more. I would work every day if I could, but if we have to stop then we have to stop."

Aston Villa's trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the "most important thing" right now. He explained: "If we don't play well, we won't win against them. Let's hope for a good performance."

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Marco Asensio, Amadou Onana, Modou Cisse, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Leon Goretzka and Brian Madjo are all out through injury and will not feature against Tottenham.

He said their younger players - Ibrahim Mbaye, George Hemmings and Brian Madjo - "until now, have not been good enough in the Premier League".

The Villa boss insisted the Premier League "is the most difficult league in the world" and that "the balance is very difficult for every team" when it comes to buying and selling players in order to compete in the top flight.

On the games they have played so far: "We are performing differently for the demands and, for how, we are in our process. In the Premier League, we had a lack of good results, a lack of enough performance collectively and even individually, but we are lack of the process to build the team as well. Hopefully tomorrow, we'll watch the team improving."

On facing Tottenham, who have yet to win or score a goal in the league: "Their potential is huge. They signed a lot of very good players, but they need time to get everything compact, and to achieve understanding their idea."

Emery said he expects Spurs "to be in the top four", despite the difficult start they have had.

He praised opposition boss Roberto de Zerbi: "A fantastic manager. He played fantastic football here and performed fantastic here with Brighton. He did a fantastic job before in Italy and Marseille. They [Spurs] are getting better. They compete fantastic, even losing against Liverpool."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

The long road back for Kulusevski

Tottenham fans have faced a grueling wait to see Kulusevski back in competitive action, with the Sweden international absent since the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign. A severe right patella injury essentially placed his career on a 19-month hiatus, a period that saw him cruelly forced to miss out on the summer World Cup.

However, after a lengthy rehabilitation process that included a minor setback during his initial return attempt in August, the 26-year-old is finally back in full training with the senior squad, providing a massive psychological lift to a side currently searching for their first league win of the season.

While the upcoming clash against Aston Villa on Saturday will come too soon for a matchday involvement, the technical staff is eyeing a competitive comeback in October or November.

De Zerbi evaluates a major boost

Addressing the media regarding the Swede's status, De Zerbi was full of praise for both the player's ability and his character during a difficult period away from the pitch. "We have to manage Deki in the best way we can, with the medical staff, physical staff, but it's a great thing for us," the former Brighton boss explained. "He's a good player, he's a good guy and he deserves to play again."

Kulusevski's importance to the Spurs setup cannot be overstated, particularly given his influential form prior to the injury. He was widely considered the club's standout performer during a turbulent 2024/25 season before the knee issue forced him to sit out the entirety of the following year.

Maddison returns to the fold

Kulusevski is not the only high-profile creative talent working his way back to full sharpness. James Maddison has also endured a frustrating cycle of injuries, including an ACL tear last August that required a heroic effort to return for the end of the previous season. Despite helping Spurs avoid the drop, Maddison has dealt with further shoulder complications during the current campaign.

Speaking on Maddison's fitness and his unique impact on the pitch, De Zerbi noted that the 29-year-old offers qualities that are rare within the current squad. The manager confirmed that Roberto De Zerbi updates on the availability of Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali and James Maddison, indicating that all three are in contention for the Villa match. "Listen, James is working with the team in the last 10, 15 days. Maybe less than 15 days and even if he's a technical player, he needs to be fit, to stay in a good condition."

Turning the season around

Tottenham enter the weekend in a precarious position, having failed to secure a victory or even score a single goal in their first four Premier League outings. This poor run of form has put pressure on the new regime, but the manager remains steadfast in his belief that the results will follow if the players maintain their composure.

The availability of Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali, both of whom missed the midweek cup defeat to Liverpool, provides further depth for a squad that has looked stretched in recent weeks.

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali and James Maddison are available for Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League meeting with Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.

Spurs welcome Unai Emery's side to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as both sides look for their first league victory of the season. De Zerbi has admitted results have not met expectations but maintained his confidence in the players, saying the work being done behind the scenes will eventually pay off.

The Italian Head Coach provided an update on the injury front during Friday's press conference.

"Porro, Tonali, Maddison, all are available to play." De Zerbi said.

Maddison has trained with the group for the last two weeks but still needs time to regain full match fitness. De Zerbi believes the midfielder will eventually become an important figure because of his personality, experience and ability to play incisive passes in attacking areas.

The Spurs head coach also identified Mohammed Kudus and Mateus Fernandes as alternative options behind the striker. However, the belief is that Fernandes must improve his decision-making when choosing whether to shoot or deliver the final pass.

Dejan Kulusevski has also returned to training following his lengthy injury lay-off. Tottenham must manage the Sweden international carefully alongside the club's medical and performance departments rather than rushing him back into competitive action.

De Zerbi described Kulusevski's eventual return as being like another new signing. He also praised the attacker's character and professionalism, saying he didn't need encouragement because he remained an example to his teammates throughout his recovery.

The forthcoming international break could be especially important for Kulusevski, Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke. Individual programmes have been prepared for the players remaining at Hotspur Way, with De Zerbi determined to improve the squad's physical condition before the Premier League resumes.

Attention remains on Aston Villa. Despite Villa collecting only one point from their opening matches, De Zerbi refused to underestimate Saturday's opponents. He described Emery as one of the world's best coaches and highlighted Villa's clear playing identity, promising young players and extensive summer changes.

Tottenham enters the game without a Premier League goal this season, but De Zerbi believes the team showed encouraging attacking signs in the 3–1 Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool. Spurs created two clear chances early and responded well after falling two goals behind.

"You have to stay calm, to be confident in what you are doing."

Academy prospects Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy also remain under consideration. De Zerbi views Williams-Barnett as a potential top-level player but believes Tottenham must choose the right moment to introduce him, protecting the youngster without allowing his development to stall.

Spurs are still searching for a league win of the season, but so are their visitors on Saturday lunchtime, both sides will want to head into the international break with their first victory of the season on the board, to ease some pressure.

It's safe to say that Tottenham Hotspur's match against Aston Villa tomorrow feels significant. Despite consistent match-by-match improvement, Tottenham still are without a win or a goal scored in Premier League play this season. Tomorrow, they host Aston Villa, one of the few clubs that has started worse than Spurs this season. Villa have just one point from their opening four matches, and this feels like a difficult match that could become a springboard to bigger and better things, should Spurs come away with a win. A loss or draw and Spurs will go into the upcoming international break knowing that there's still significant work yet to do to get off the mark in the league this season.

In his pre-match press conference, Roberto De Zerbi gave the good news that Pedro Porro, Sandro Tonali, and James Maddison are all available for selection after either missing or coming in as a late substitute in Spurs' midweek EFL loss at Liverpool.

"[Pedro] Porro, Tonali, Maddison, all are available to play. Normally, we have to understand the situation in terms of physical condition, but all of them are ready.

"James [Maddison] is working with the team in the last 10, 15 days, maybe less than 15 days. And even if he's a technical player, he needs to be fit, to stay in a good condition. When he arrives to the best condition, it's very important for us as a personality, as a characteristic, as a quality, as an experience. The quality of his passes are different than the others. Maybe just Kudus, but Kudus also is not used to playing in the same (position as a number 10). We have to see.

"Mateus, he can play as a number 10, but he has to be more sure in the last decision, the shot and the pass. And also, Gallagher is a guarantee."

De Zerbi also suggested that the international break is not especially well-timed, because he'd like to have more time to work closely with all his players.

"We have to accept (the situation) and nothing more. I would work every day, but if we have to stop, we stop. Most important is the game of tomorrow. Tough game, but we have the qualities, the players to play well, because if we don't play well, we can't win. Or maybe one time per season, two times per season and stop.

De Zerbi was also asked about Dejan Kulusevski, who has not played football for more than a year after sustaining a significant patella injury. He's returned to full training but has still yet to be named to a bench, much less return to a match. De Zerbi insinuated that there's a chance Deki could regain enough fitness to potentially return after the international break.

"We have to manage Deki in the best way we can, with the medical staff, physical staff. But it's a great thing for us because he's a good player, he's a good guy. He deserves to play again. We have to work day by day. Also, for Deki, it's important the international break, because when he will be at the top of condition and pass over the injury, I think it's a great signing, a new signing for us, another new signing.

"[Deki] doesn't need my encouragement, because he's strong, he has a great character, and he's an example for everyone."

De Zerbi also spoke about the team's slow start to the season, and how the work is continuing to get this refreshed squad to gel.

"We have to improve in everything, because like I said, after the game we conceded the first goal in a bad way, because we knew what was the plan in the defensive phase. One long ball on Gakpo is not enough to concede a goal. Also the second goal could have closed Gakpo better and stronger, and the third goal is an individual skill of Szoboszlai.

"We can improve in the qualities of the play. I think we created more chances than the other games, also because Liverpool played with more courage. There was more space to attack, to make one-to-one, but I have experience enough to say that sometimes when you are the coach of the team, without you knowing the reason, you are able to score, you can score.

"And other times, another situation where I think you are playing well, not fantastic, but well enough to score, enough to win, and you don't win. You have to stay calm, to be confident in what you are doing, what the players are doing. They have my full confidence. We move on and we keep going to be better day by day, but not by words, but by fact."

Tottenham host Aston Villa on Saturday, September 19. Kick-off is 7:30 a.m. in the United States, 12:30 p.m. in the UK. The match will be televised on USA Network in the States, and TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

Tottenham Hotspur host Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi's side sit 18th after collecting a single point from three games, and a repeat of last weekend's goalless draw at Forest would leave them without a goal in four straight league matches for the first time in the club's history. Spurs' only win and clean sheet in their last 12 top-flight home fixtures came against Saturday's opponents, a fact De Zerbi's side will hope to lean on.

Tottenham Hotspur team news

James Maddison trained ahead of the trip to Forest but was left out of the squad and remains a doubt with a shoulder injury sustained in the opening-day defeat to Brentford. Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are all continuing their recoveries from knee injuries. Mykhaylo Mudryk, who made his first competitive appearance in over 600 days against Forest, has since picked up a new ankle injury that will keep him out for six to eight weeks.

With those options unavailable, De Zerbi is expected to continue with Savio and Mathys Tel in the wide attacking positions, while Mohammed Kudus continues to build up his minutes gradually after a lengthy spell out.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Bentancur; Savio, Fernandes, Tel; Solanke

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League match kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 12 September 2026.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton?

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.

Read more – Alonso 'very happy' as Chelsea star signs new deal

See also – Chelsea prepared to pay €120m for Enzo Fernandez replacement

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Tottenham Hotspur host Newcastle United on Saturday looking for their first Premier League points of the season, having been well beaten 3-0 at Brentford on the opening weekend before a much-improved 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic in midweek. Roberto De Zerbi will be keen to carry that improvement into league football.

Tottenham Hotspur team news

Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odebert remain out with knee injuries, and Mohammed Kudus is sidelined with a thigh problem. James Maddison is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a fractured shoulder, and Pape Sarr is a doubt with a thigh issue.

Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro, both used as substitutes against Charlton, are pushing to return to the starting XI, while new loan signing Omar Marmoush, whose move from Manchester City was confirmed on Thursday, is more likely to start on the bench than in the XI itself.

Antonin Kinsky is expected to retain his place in goal, with Porro poised to replace Archie Gray at right-back and Van de Ven potentially partnering fellow Dutchman Jan Paul van Hecke at centre-back. Andrew Robertson is favoured over Destiny Udogie at left-back.

Sandro Tonali is set to start against his former club in a midfield alongside Mateus Fernandes and Conor Gallagher, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall the alternative options. Savio, who scored and assisted as a substitute against Charlton on his debut, could be rewarded with a start on the right of a front three alongside Richarlison and Mathys Tel.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting XI (4-3-3): Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Savio, Richarlison, Tel

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League match kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.

Read more – Conference League draw as Brighton and Hearts learn fate

See also – Alonso wants players with 'desire to play' as Fernandez speculation rises

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Tottenham Hotspur closes out its preseason slate Saturday against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, with Pedro Porro back in the fold as a newly crowned World Cup champion.

The two sides haven't met since a 3-2 Europa League Spurs win in January 2025, when James Maddison and Heung-Min Son did the damage for Spurs. Saturday's rematch carries none of those stakes, but it's the last tune-up before both clubs open their domestic seasons within two weeks.

A second, behind-closed-doors match follows Sunday at the club's training centre. Tickets for Saturday's public fixture were priced at £20 for adults and £5 for children, with season ticket holders and club members given priority access.

Match: Tottenham Hotspur vs. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, club friendly

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. BST / 10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. CEST

U.S. streaming: SpursPlay, the club's subscription streaming service, with an on-demand replay expected via DAZN USA

U.K. streaming: SpursPlay is the confirmed live option

Germany streaming: SpursPlay's international feed is the most consistently listed legal option for this friendly

Tottenham, Hoffenheim Wrap Up Preseason

Roberto De Zerbi's side heads into Saturday unbeaten this preseason. Spurs edged MK Dons 1-0 behind closed doors, then beat Auckland FC 2-0 and Sydney FC on penalties after a 1-1 draw during the club's Oceania swing. A 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Sydney Super Cup followed, and Tottenham most recently played to a 1-1 draw with Getafe at Hotspur Way.

Hoffenheim arrives having finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season, a result that pushed the club back into Europa League qualification. Christian Ilzer's team ran up wins over lower-division sides during a training camp in Seefeld, Austria, though a 4-1 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach interrupted the run.

Tottenham opens its Premier League campaign away to Brentford on August 22, a week after the league kicks off league-wide. The later start ties to the 2026 World Cup calendar. Hoffenheim's Bundesliga opener comes August 29 at 1. FC Köln, sandwiched around a DFB-Pokal first-round match against Erzgebirge Aue.

Pedro Porro Availability, Predicted Lineups for Tottenham Hotspur

Porro is expected to feature after rejoining training this week for the first time since Spain's World Cup triumph. The right-back walked through a guard of honor from teammates and staff upon his return to Hotspur Way, becoming just the fourth Tottenham player to win a World Cup, joining Jimmy Greaves, Hugo Lloris and Cristian Romero.

"It's very special when you see everyone here after winning the World Cup," Porro said, as quoted by beIN Sports. "The most important thing is the connection we have, the family, thank you very much for everything. So let's go for everything because it's going to be a great year for us."

Whether Porro starts Saturday or gets eased in remains to be seen given De Zerbi's heavy rotation plans across the Hoffenheim double-header.

Hoffenheim's expected XI is harder to pin down this deep into preseason rotation, though goalkeeper Oliver Baumann typically anchors the back end when fit. Forward Andrej Kramarić has been sidelined in some recent previews, with Christian Ilzer expected to lean on preseason contributors like Tim Lemperle and Adam Hložek in attack. Both clubs are expected to name official lineups roughly an hour before kickoff.

Read More From Heavy

Spain Takes Control as Pedro Porro Stuns France in World Cup Semifinal

Like HEAVY's content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on HEAVY