It’s again time for one of the biggest fixtures in the Premier League timetable – Arsenal Vs Tottenham Hotspur. The Spurs are hosting their North London rivals at Wembley only to make the battle for the top four spot even more interesting.
Tottenham are 4 points ahead of Arsenal in the 5th spot and missed out on the opportunity to topple Liverpool and Chelsea for the 3rd place. Harry Kane’s missed first penalty saw the Spurs draw 2-2 against Liverpool last week. It looked like the Reds were going to run away with the 3 points after Mohamed Salah’s brilliant solo effort to get past the entire Tottenham defence but Erik Lamela very cleverly won his side a penalty. Kane slotted in the second attempt.
Arsenal are coming off an impressive 5-1 win over Everton and are looking stronger than ever with the reunited duo of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the starting lineup.
The last time these two sides met – Arsenal beat the Spurs 2 goals to nil at the Emirates. Shkodran Mustafi’s headed in effort along with Alexis Sanchez’s emphatic finish in the first half was enough to see out the game. A wholly convincing display from the Gunners which they have struggled to replicate throughout the season.
But Pochettino will take note of their rival’s woeful away record of 13 points in 13 games. The Argentine already dominated Everton and Manchester United with a 4-0 and 2-0 win in his last two home fixtures and he will look to replicate the same against Arsene Wenger’s side. Allowing the Gunners to get the double over them will not only jeopardize their chances of finishing the season in the top four but will also take a huge hit on their pride.
Here is how Tottenham might lineup for the game on Saturday.
Formation : 4-2-2-2
Defence
Hugo Lloris is the predicted starter in between the sticks.
Kevin Trippier will have to take over the right-back role with Ben Davies fielded on the right even though Danny Rose has returned from injury and played in the 2-0 win over Newport County.
Toby Alderweireld also made a come back in the FA Cup tie and might be introduced in the starting lineup alongside Jan Vertonghen in the centre-back role.
Midfield
Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele might start in the defensive role.
Christian Eriksen is expected to appear from the right with Dele Alli on the left.
Attack
Heung Son-Min should feature in the striker role alongside Harry Kane. The South Korean will drift off towards the flanks to provide some width.
