Kinsky starts! Tottenham predicted lineup to play Sunderland as De Zerbi takes in charge of first game

Here is how Tottenham could line up against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

New head coach Roberto De Zerbi aims to kickstart his Tottenham Hotspur career with a bang, as the Lilywhites take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.

Roberto De Zerbi has replaced Igor Tudor at the helm after the Croatian was shown the door following a dismal run of just one win in seven games across all competitions. The Nottingham Forest game before the March international break turned out to be Tudor’s last in charge of the club.

Spurs are now entering the new era of De Zerbi, who has agreed a five-year contract after initially being hesitant to take over the club’s reins for the final seven games. While it is a long-term project, the 46-year-old’s sole objective for the rest of the campaign is to keep the North Londoners up in the top flight by hook or crook.

De Zerbi couldn’t have asked for a trickier first assignment as Tottenham boss, with Sunderland hosting the North London side. The Black Cats won 2-1 away against bitter rivals Newcastle United before the international break and will be looking to create problems for the new Spurs boss.

That said, here is the predicted Tottenham lineup for their upcoming clash against Sunderland.

Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky

Guglielmo Vicario underwent hernia surgery during the international break, a procedure timed to minimise disruption to the season. Yet, he will miss the Sunderland game, meaning the responsibility in goal will fall on the young shoulders of Antonin Kinsky.

Kinsky endured a horrible Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid and was hooked in the 16th-minute after making two catastrophic errors. So, Sunday’s game offers him a chance at redemption.

Defence: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie

De Zerbi is expected to go with his favoured 4-2-3-1 system. In front of Kinsky, we could see a flat back comprising Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

Porro and Udogie might get the nod to operate as the full-backs. They will be crucial in build-up play for Tottenham. Romero and Van de Ven are the undisputed first-choice centre-back pairing and should start. They have to be at their best to stop Brian Brobbey and his fellow forwards.

Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin and Djed Spence should offer cover to the defensive ranks.

Midfield: Archie Gray, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons

This is where things could get interesting. De Zerbi likes to have technically strong central midfielders with progressive passing ability. Undoubtedly Tottenham’s best player since the start of the year, Archie Gray could get the nod to start vs. Sunderland. To add experience, bite and physicality, Joao Palhinha might partner Gray in the double pivot in the middle of the park.

Xavi Simons is expected to be tasked with linking the midfield and attack. The Dutchman’s flair, invention and vision should be key in unlocking the Sunderland defence. Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall may get a chance to contribute in the second half.

Attack: Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel

To fit his attacking style of football, De Zerbi will likely start a dynamic front three of Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel. With Mohammed Kudus just having returned to training after three months on the sidelines, we could see Richarlison operate off the right flank. Tel seems to have shaken off the injury he picked up against Forest after being spotted in training last week. So, the Frenchman is certain to start on the left wing.

With Richarlison and Tel out wide, Solanke will lead the Tottenham attack despite an underwhelming international break with England.