Tottenham Hotspur are finally looking at a finish above their North-London arch rivals after many years. And after bottling it up at the dying moment of the game last season, Mauricio Pochettino won’t let it get repeated by any means.
Given Spurs’ home record of late, they are the clear favourites; but Arsenal have found some kind of form in the last three games and would love to get one over their much-improved neighbours.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur- A big doubt for the game for Mauricio Pochettino will be the likely absence of midfielder Mousa Dembele. The Belgian has been the main orchestrator for Spurs this season and had played a huge role against Arsenal at the Emirates in the reverse fixture. He was difficult to restrict and his twist and turn led to the penalty, which was the equaliser.
Without him, the Argentine gaffer will need to have a different plan going into the game. We expect in-form playmaker Christian Eriksen to drop down alongside Victor Wanyama from the deep midfield. Apart from him, Tottenham will have a strong squad to go into this fixture. Danny Rose is scheduled to return early next month along with second choice goalie Michel Vorm.
The long-term injury list of Erik Lamela and Harry Winks remain the same.
Arsenal- For Arsenal, missing out on skipper Laurent Koscielny is a huge concern. The French centre-half has hurt his knee really bad after landing awkwardly in the game against Leicester City. And while Rob Holding has been very impressive of late forcing the manager to trust him with a position at the back, he is still young and might not be the most assuring option.
Among others, Shkodran Mustafi will miss the game with his thigh injury and is expected to return next month along with second choice goalie David Ospina and striker Luca Perez.
Apart from them, Santi Cazorla and Jeff-Rene Adelaide remain long-term injuries.
Predicted Line-up
Tottenham Hotspur- Lloris; Dier, Vertonghen, Alderweireld; Walker, Eriksen, Wanyama, Davies; Son, Alli; Kane
Arsenal- Cech; Monreal, Holding, Gabriel; Gibbs, Xhaka, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sanchez, Ozil, Giroud
Key Players
Tottenham Hotspur- Arsenal are one of Harry Kane’s favourite opponents and the 23-year-old is the likeliest to score in this North London derby. One of the better England forwards in the last decade, Kane possesses all the attributes of a perfect centre-forward. He has scored 20 goals already and without Koscielny, it will be difficult for Arsenal.
Arsenal- Alexis Sanchez will be Arsenal’s sharpest weapon against Spurs. The Chilean didn’t have the best of games last week against the Foxes and he will have to make amends for it. Whether is from free-kicks, long-range shots or solo run all the way, Sanchez excels in all.
Betting Odds-
Tottenham Hotspur @ 1.85
Draw @ 3.90
Arsenal @ 4.33
