De Zerbi has selection dilemma over 'four Tottenham stars' ahead of Man United clash

Roberto De Zerbi faces multiple difficult selection decisions ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's trip to Manchester United on Saturday.

That is according to former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The Italian faces a nervous wait on the fitness of both Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, who have both suffered issues while on international duties.

Tottenham will be without Pedro Porro and several others for the trip to Old Trafford, as they look to win a first Premier League game of the season.

De Zerbi's team could be boosted by the potential return of Dejan Kulusevski, who may be set to make his first appearance in around 18 months after struggling with a complicated knee injury.

Man United have also suffered a disappointing start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening five Premier League games.

Tottenham 'injuries' creating issues

It is expected that James Maddison will be ready to step into the starting XI for the first time this season at Old Trafford, handing Tottenham a new dimension.

Mohammed Kudus has also looked to return from injury positively and should be involved from the start.

But De Zerbi is facing other problem positions elsewhere. "There's quite a few injuries for both of them. My prediction would be that this could end up as a draw," King told Football Insider.

"I wrote up a side with the players they've got available. Looking at United's team, they've got a talented group of players, but like Aston Villa and like Tottenham, they're not functioning as a team.

"Funnily enough, as much as it would hurt some of my friends, I think Manchester United could nick it. When I look at Tottenham's team, they've got Porro, Van de Ven, Van Hecke. There's three out the back four that could not be playing.

"[Andy] Robertson and [Archie] Gray, I've put them in full-back positions. I'm not sure about the two central defenders, to be honest. [Marcos] Senesi and [Tosin] Adarabioyo, probably.

"[Rodrigo] Bentancur and [Sandro] Tonali. Is he going to play three in midfield or is he going to play five in midfield? Will they play four, five, one? Man United - four, two, three, one.

"Man United haven't won in four. Spurs haven't won in five. The last six times they played each other, Spurs have won four. I think there'll be a result. I just think it could end up being a draw, because there are a lot of injuries, a lot of injuries in both teams."

Tottenham's strong recent record

Tottenham's 2-0 loss at Old Trafford in February ended a run of eight games unbeaten against Man United.

The Lilywhites have won five of the last nine meetings between the pair, including the Europa League final in 2025.

And while that game carried huge weight for the chance of a European trophy, Saturday's game will be just as vital in very different circumstances.

Both De Zerbi and Michael Carrick find themselves under huge pressure - pressure that will be compounded immeasurably with defeat on Saturday.