Tottenham vs. Aston Villa: Predicted starting 11 as Spurs aim to score first Premier League goal
There was at least a goal to celebrate against Premier League opposition in the week, but our Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool means Spurs supporters are even more desperate for a joyous Saturday evening in N17.
With a meaty international break on the horizon, the Lilywhites do not want to be returning to action in mid-October bereft of a Premier League victory. We've mustered two points through four games, and are yet to score a goal.
Tuesday's defeat at Anfield at least offered hope, and once that currently absent "click" coalesces De Zerbi's operation, brighter days will follow.
And perhaps it's finally time for our luck to turn. Aston Villa are in a similar boat; still working their way into the new season with a new core at the helm.
Here's how Spurs could line up for the Villans' visit.
Defense: GK Antonín Kinsky - RB Pedro Porro - CB Micky van de Ven - CB Jan Paul van Hecke - LB Destiny Udogie
Antonín Kinsky will return to the side after Martin Dúbravka made his first competitive appearance for the club at Liverpool. Kinsky heads into this one having recorded back-to-back clean sheets.
Our starting centre-backs weren't risked in the week, so the Dutch duo should be relatively fresh for Villa's visit. Nicolas Jackson's channel-running will test Micky van de Ven, and we can only hope Jan Paul van Hecke can continue to replicate his level of performance from the Everton stalemate.
Destiny Udogie's importance down the left was clear on Tuesday, and there have been positive updates regarding Pedro Porro after he missed the previous two games with a minor injury. His return is significant.
Midfield: DM Rodrigo Bentancur - DM Mateus Fernandes - AM James Maddison
Rodrigo Bentancur has been the best-performing midfielder for Spurs at this early juncture, so he should keep his place in the engine room. Sandro Tonali is a doubt after missing the trip to Anfield, and although Lucas Bergvall finished strong on Merseyside, I expect Mateus Fernandes to drop into a deeper midfield role, where he impressed off the bench last time out.
James Maddison also shone during his midweek cameo, with the Englishman hopefully ready for at least an hour of action after returning from a shoulder fracture last weekend. De Zerbi's side, especially given the make-up of the attack, desperately requires a natural playmaker. Maddison will help tie everything together.
Forwards: RW Savio - CF Dominic Solanke - LW Omar Marmoush
Discerning Omar Marmoush's ideal role won't be easy, but I like him working off the shoulder of Dominic Solanke. With Udogie overlapping, Marmoush should have the license to operated from the left half-space, where he did most of his damage during the later days of his productive Eintracht Frankfurt career.
Solanke simply has to stay fit and enjoy an uptick in scoring form.
Sávio may not yet be a reliable goalscorer, but he's a constant threat down the right flank. It won't be long until he makes something happen.
Today's best reads
Tottenham vs. Everton: Predicted starting 11 as Spurs seek their first win
Roberto De Zerbi confirms two injury doubts for Everton clash
Roberto De Zerbi is about to make a decision that will doom Tottenham to lose to Liverpool
Liverpool vs Tottenham is what will define Roberto De Zerbi in North London
New Tottenham signing could be sidelined for two months with injury
