Tottenham's first five fixtures after the international break as Roberto De Zerbi plots comeback

After the international break, Tottenham Hotspur will play only five games in 28 days, giving Roberto De Zerbi plenty of time on the grass with his players.

Roberto De Zerbi has about two weeks to prepare Tottenham Hotspur for a difficult set of fixtures. After the international break, the Lilywhites will play five games in 28 days, giving Roberto De Zerbi the chance to work closely with his players as he looks to climb the Premier League.

On Sunday, Spurs fell to the bottom of the table when Manchester United clawed back a point against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Although Alvaro Arbeloa's side had also only managed to bank two points in the opening weeks of the new season, they have a marginally better goal difference than Tottenham.

Speaking to reporters at the weekend, the Lilywhites boss outlined his plan for the international break. He said: "I didn't speak with the players today (Saturday) because I didn't want to say nothing.

"No, I have nothing with them, but the players who go with the national team. They have to play and work.

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"The other players, [James] Maddison, [Conor] Gallagher, [Dominic] Solanke, Tosin [Adarabioyo], [Marco] Senesi, Savio, for sure we have to work more, because also the physical condition, I didn't like, even [in] this game."

Manchester United (A) – Premier League – Saturday, October 10

De Zerbi will be desperate to turn over a new leaf after the international break, following a disappointing start to the new season. With Manchester United in the trenches, too, Tottenham may not have a better chance to defeat one of the so-called 'big six' and generate some much-needed momentum.

Coventry City (H) – Premier League – Monday, October 19

Coventry City won their first game of the Premier League season just before the international break, defeating Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, so they'll be full of confidence. That said, Frank Lampard has failed to defeat Tottenham in each of his last four efforts as manager, despite doing the double with Chelsea in 2019/20.

Chelsea (A) – Premier League – Saturday, October 24

The Battle of the Bridge will be played under the lights at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have won 11 of their last 13 games against Tottenham across all competitions, regardless of the venue, losing just once, so De Zerbi will want to set the record straight.

Crystal Palace (H) – Premier League – Saturday, October 31

Crystal Palace will only have two days to prepare for their trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having reached the Carabao Cup fourth round, so De Zerbi will be under pressure to put the extra time on the training pitch to good use.

Leeds United (A) – Premier League – Saturday, November 7

Before the next international break, Tottenham will lock horns with Leeds United at Elland Road. If it's any consolation, the game will be played at lunchtime on a Saturday, rather than in the evening under the lights.