Tottenham Hotspur travel to the City Ground on Saturday knowing that another poor result could turn a difficult start under Roberto De Zerbi into an early crisis.

Tottenham have lost their opening two Premier League games against Brentford and Newcastle United without scoring a single goal. That leaves them bottom of the table with zero points and a growing sense that their expensive summer rebuild has yet to translate into results. 

Nottingham Forest have also failed to win, but their 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend offered considerably more encouragement.

Forest Looking to Build on Anfield Point

Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest have taken just one point from their opening two league games, following a 1-0 defeat to Leeds before the draw at Liverpool. However, the performance at Anfield demonstrated that Forest remain capable of causing problems against stronger opposition.

Forest led twice against Liverpool before eventually settling for a point, with Morgan Gibbs-White once again playing a central role. The midfielder converted the penalty won by Neco Williams and has been one of Forest’s most important attacking outlets.

Dan Ndoye has also made a bright start, while the arrival of Daniel Munoz could give Glasner another option at right wing-back. The Colombia international could make his full debut against Spurs after joining from Crystal Palace late in the transfer window.

Tottenham’s Problems Go Beyond Results

For Tottenham, the biggest concern is not simply that they have lost their first two games. It is the manner of those defeats and, particularly, their inability to score.

Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Brentford before losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle. They have therefore conceded five goals without finding the net themselves, leaving De Zerbi under immediate pressure despite the club’s enormous summer investment. It is the first time in the Premier League era that Tottenham have lost their opening two matches without scoring.

The Italian coach has been handed an enormous squad after Tottenham spent heavily during the summer, with Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Sávio and other major additions expected to transform the team. Yet the early signs have been far from convincing.

New Signings Could Change the Game

Tottenham’s latest additions could provide De Zerbi with solutions. Mykhaylo Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo arrived on deadline day and are eligible to make their debuts, while Sávio is also expected to be available after recovering from muscle fatigue.

Mateus Fernandes has already shown flashes of creativity, creating five chances in his first two league appearances. Sandro Tonali is expected to provide greater control and energy in midfield, while Omar Marmoush gives Spurs another attacking option.

Mohammed Kudus also made his return from a long-term absence against Newcastle and could play a larger role at the City Ground. James Maddison, however, remains a major doubt after suffering a shoulder problem.

Forest Have Their Own Selection Questions

Forest are not without problems themselves. Nicolo Savona remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Ibrahim Sangare is a doubt because of a calf problem.

Glasner must also decide whether to throw Munoz straight into the starting XI following his deadline-day arrival. The Colombian’s familiarity with the manager from their time together at Crystal Palace could make that decision easier.

Liam Delap is another interesting selection call. The £45 million signing from Chelsea came off the bench against Liverpool and immediately made an impact, helping create Forest’s second goal. With Tottenham struggling defensively, giving the striker a first start could be an attractive option.

Prediction

This could be a tight contest between two teams still trying to find their identity. Forest have home advantage and arrive with greater confidence after their draw at Liverpool, while Tottenham have the stronger squad on paper but desperately need their attacking players to click.

Tottenham’s need for a result could make them dangerous, but Forest’s recent record against Spurs and their improved confidence make this a difficult away game.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur.