Tottenham Hotspur's upcoming Premier League clash against Sunderland marks a pivotal moment for the club, especially with the appointment of new manager Roberto De Zerbi. With the team currently in a precarious position, the Italian's influence and decisions will be under the microscope. The match, set for 2 pm BST on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, is more than just a game; it's a test of De Zerbi's tactical acumen and the team's ability to turn their fortunes around.
One of the key players to watch is Victor Kudus, who has been out since January with a quad injury. His return to training before the international break offers a glimmer of hope for Tottenham, as he leads the team in Premier League assists this season. However, his absence has been a significant blow, especially as the club battles relegation threats. De Zerbi's pre-match comments about Victor's availability suggest a cautious approach, which is understandable given the player's recent injury history.
The goalkeeper position is another area of interest. Antonin Kinsky, who had a nightmare performance against Atletico Madrid, is likely to start again. His early substitution against Atletico Madrid, replaced just 17 minutes into his Champions League debut, raises questions about his reliability. De Zerbi's decision to start Kinsky could be a strategic move, given the team's need for stability in goal.
The return of Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel is a welcome boost for Tottenham. Both players featured in De Zerbi's first training session, indicating their potential involvement in the Sunderland game. Bergvall's impact from the bench during the 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest and Tel's withdrawal from the France Under-21 squad due to a groin issue suggest they are both fit and ready to contribute.
However, there are concerns over Pape Matar Sarr, who suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Senegal. His availability for the Sunderland game is uncertain, which could impact Tottenham's attacking options. Rodrigo Bentancur, on the other hand, is making steady progress in his recovery from a serious hamstring injury, offering a potential solution to the team's midfield woes.
James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain long-term absentees, but there is optimism that both could return before the end of the season. Their absence has been a significant setback for Tottenham, especially with Maddison's creative abilities and Kulusevski's pace and skill. The return of these players would provide De Zerbi with more options and flexibility in his tactics.
The pressure is on De Zerbi to make an immediate impact. His decision to favor a ball-dominant style suggests a focus on maintaining possession and baiting opponents into pressing. However, with results taking precedence over style in the final seven games of the season, a fast start is imperative for Tottenham. The team has yet to win a league game this calendar year, and a victory against Sunderland could be a turning point.
The predicted Tottenham XI for the Sunderland game, a 4-2-3-1 formation, reflects De Zerbi's desire to maintain possession and control the game. However, the team's success will depend on their ability to execute this strategy effectively and adapt to the challenges posed by Sunderland. The match against Sunderland is more than just a game; it's an opportunity for Tottenham to rewrite their season and prove their resilience and determination under De Zerbi's leadership.
