Danny Murphy and Darren Lewis predict that Roberto De Zerbi could be sacked before the end of the season, with Mauricio Pochettino tipped to make a return to Tottenham during the current campaign.Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the 2026-27 Premier League season has brought heavy scrutiny, and rightly so given their poor form.A run of five games without a victory and just two points from a possible 15 has left the Lilywhites rooted to the foot of the table during the international break.It is set to be a long three weeks for Spurs, with much attention focused on their dismal start. Roberto De Zerbi is coming under fire, with many pundits criticising the Tottenham manager. Troy Deeney has been vocal, describing De Zerbi as “full of excuses” as his side continues to struggle.Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesRoberto De Zerbi under pressure with Mauricio Pochettino linked to Tottenham returnDespite the outside pressure, Tottenham’s hierarchy maintain full confidence in De Zerbi. That is not entirely surprising, as the Italian earned credit for keeping Spurs in the Premier League last season.However, Danny Murphy and Darren Lewis have predicted that De Zerbi will be sacked before the end of the campaign, with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino tipped to return.Speaking on talkSPORT’s Kick Off, Murphy said: “My bold prediction – it’s not that bold actually – I think we’ll see Poch back in the Premier League before the end of it.”Pochettino remains a fan favourite given his achievements during his five-year stint in north London, which included a second-place finish and a Champions League final run in 2019. His spell is widely regarded as one of the most stable periods in Spurs’ modern history.Lewis backed him for a homecoming of sorts, insisting: “If Spurs are smart, they’ll get him.”Lewis criticises De Zerbi as Pochettino keeps door openLewis went further, tipping De Zerbi to be sacked before the end of the season and criticising the Spurs boss for labelling his side “mentally fragile” after their defeat to Aston Villa.He argued: “It’s deflected a little bit, this whole mentality thing, from the fact that De Zerbi has to be held accountable for where they are right now. And listen, I’m experienced enough to say, I don’t think he lasts a season.”Continuing his criticism, Lewis added: “In terms of where Tottenham are, their inability to defend is on you. Their inability to score goals, to win games is on you. Their inability to come back when you fall behind – it’s on you. What are you going to do about it?”Pochettino, meanwhile, remains in charge of the USA national team after agreeing to a contract extension until 2030, weeks after the World Cup.However, the former Spurs manager has not ruled out a return to north London in the future. Speaking earlier this month, he explained: “If I were free, I would have gone back to Tottenham. Even in the Championship. Whatever the division. Another club, no, but Tottenham, yes, of course. It’s the only club I’m always open to help.”Reflecting on missed opportunities to return, he added: “The problem was the timings were never the best. When I was free, I never received a contact, and then when I was working, I received a contact and then I couldn’t make the decision to come back. It was a little bit unlucky. Maybe one day the stars will align and it will happen.”READ MORE: Pape Sarr transfer: Tottenham may lose a ‘thoroughbred’ with ‘clean’ passing for just £22mThe post Tottenham backed to make 'smart' hire to replace Roberto De Zerbi if he is sacked appeared first on Spurs Web.