Tottenham are a team in transition, and we mean that in the most exciting way possible. Roberto De Zerbi has been handed the keys and a war chest — 237 million pounds spent since March — and he's building something that looks like his Brighton on steroids. The problem? Fitness. Pedro Porro, Mohammed Kudus, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie all finished preseason without a single minute. That's a backline missing its engine. But here's the thing: even a half-fit Spurs side under De Zerbi is a threat, because the system is the star. The opening-day draw at Brentford — a 1-1 at the Gtech — showed flashes of the identity: brave build-up, high line, risk everywhere. They'll be sharper now, another week of training under their belts, and they're back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where the crowd will demand intensity.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are dealing with their own chaos. Matthias Jaissle has Joelinton and Burn out injured, Livramento and Osula doubtful, and there's genuine uncertainty in the final third. The Magpies opened with a home defeat to Liverpool — a 2-1 loss at St James' Park where they were second best for long stretches. The worry is the front line: Willock and Elanga are the likely wide options, and up top it's a toss-up between Osula, Wissa and Woltemade. The German has struggled regardless of position, which tells you the attack lacks a focal point. This is a Newcastle side that's still finding its shape under a new coach, and they're walking into a bear pit.