Three ways Tottenham could line up under Roberto De Zerbi

It’s all change again at Spurs ahead of seven do-or-die games to secure survival

Tottenham are set to put their trust in Roberto De Zerbi to steer them away from relegation trouble.

Spurs sit just one point above the bottom three with seven Premier League matches to go and are on hunt for a new manager once again after the departure of Igor Tudor.

Rather than trying to secure another interim appointment, Spurs are pushing to secure their top target De Zerbi now and talks are progressing well between the two camps.

Should the Italian be appointed, he will have extra time with the players due to Spurs not being in the FA Cup or Champions League. De Zerbi would begin on April 12 away at Sunderland.

He is known for playing an ultra-attacking style of play with high-risk build-up play. De Zerbi's football at its best is played at speed and is entertaining to watch.

Questions over whether he has the time to implement that or whether that is what will get Spurs out of relegation trouble ensure it should be a fascinating watch.

Here are three ways De Zerbi could have Spurs lining up in the final weeks of the season...

Pedro Porro

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Potential Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Palhinha; Kudus, Xavi, Tel; Solanke

De Zerbi's preferred formation, particularly at Brighton, was a 4-2-3-1.

That would be another change for the Spurs players, away from the 4-4-2 Tudor has opted for in recent matches, but they have the players to suit that shape.

De Zerbi likes his full-backs to play high and wide and that would suit Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.

In midfield, Rodrigo Bentancur is nearing a return to action but De Zerbi could favour the energy and bite of Archie Gray and Joao Palhinha.

Xavi Simons has had a frustrating season but could benefit more than most under De Zerbi if he is handed the freedom of the No10 role.

Dominic Solanke's work rate in pressing from the front could see him get the nod as the starting striker.

Xavi Simons

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Potential Tottenham XI (3-4-2-1): Vicario; Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Gray, Gallagher, Udogie; Kudus, Xavi; Solanke

In his most recent job at Marseille, De Zerbi at times opted for a 3-4-2-1 shape.

Kevin Danso could come in to play on the right of the back-three, while Porro and Udogie are both suited to playing as wing-backs.

Ethan Nwaneri and Mason Greenwood were the two De Zerbi favoured behind the striker at Marseille.

Simons could play in that roaming position, in the style of Nwaneri, while Mohammed Kudus is pushing to return from injury and could come into the side.

He is effective in more central roles, even playing well as a second striker under Thomas Frank in certain matches, and could enjoy that inside role.

Lucas Bergvall

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Potential Tottenham XI (4-2-2-2): Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall; Kudus, Tel; Richarlison, Solanke

If Spurs do find themselves behind in a match, De Zerbi will throw the kitchen sink at things. Something close to a 4-2-2-2 shape could be deployed.

That would be the best way to get Richarlison in the side alongside Solanke and the Brazilian has looked as likely as anyone to drag Spurs out of trouble in recent weeks.

A more attacking midfield could also be used, with Lucas Bergvall coming into the side. The Swede has the kind of energy and drive that De Zerbi should love.

With Porro and Udogie flying up on the overlap, Kudus and Mathys Tel would both be able to drift inside and support the front two.

Spurs fans love their side to attack and would get right behind what would effectively be a 2-2-6 formation in possession.