We may be halfway through October, but Tottenham Hotspur are still looking for their first win of the Premier League season.

The Lilywhites spent around £400m in the summer transfer window after Roberto De Zerbi joined the club and saved them from relegation last season, as they look to ensure that they avoid another battle at the bottom, following consecutive 17th-place finishes.

But Spurs have so far drawn three and lost three of their opening six games, while they have also already been eliminated from the EFL Cup, in what has been a disappointing start for everyone involved.

Last weekend, the north London club travelled to Old Trafford to take on Man Utd and were dominant for much of the game, but left with only a draw as Dominic Solanke scored an injury-time equaliser for the ten men, following Rodrigo Bentancur's red card.

Despite controlling the match and creating a number of chances, the team failed to put United to the sword and were ultimately punished for it. De Zerbi had Savio and Mohammed Kudus causing chaos on the wings, with Lucas Bergvall and Sandro Tonali offering support behind Conor Gallagher who played as the number ten.

But the England international's lack of guile and quality on the ball meant that the team weren't as efficient in the final third as they could have been, considering the quality they have in their squad.

Away from home, it made sense to have Gallagher's energy and combative style in the side, as his pressing often led to turnovers of possession high up the pitch. But with a home clash against newly-promoted Coventry up next, adding some more control to their play would be a huge help.

De Zerbi has got options to choose from, but this feels like the perfect time for the Italian to name James Maddison in his starting lineup for the first time, and finally pick up three points.

'Special' Maddison a Gamechanger for Spurs

James Maddison has been a key player for Spurs ever since joining from Leicester, but over the last year he has been severely limited with his minutes after suffering a serious knee injury.

But the 29-year-old is fit again now, and the game against Coventry would be the perfect time to reintroduce him to the starting lineup, and help the team pick up their first win.

Speaking earlier this month, the manager admitted that he feels the playmaker is an important member of the team, and was excited to be able to welcome him back.

Having that extra bit of control at home, and a player who can not only pick a pass, but also finish a move, could be exactly what this Spurs side has been missing, and Maddison getting a start could be the difference between finally getting a win, or continuing their winless start to the season.