The Premier League will brace itself for one of the most highly-anticipated matches of the 2019/20 campaign as Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday. The Lilywhites are the undisputed favourites heading into this game as they are currently leading the league table and are coming on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run.
Arsenal, in contrast, are currently winless in three Premier League matches – a run that sees them dawdle on the bottom half of the league table. Scoring has been a major problem for the Gunners as only three clubs, all in the bottom three, have managed to score fewer goals this season. So it will be interesting to see whether or not Mikel Arteta’s men can end their slump against their arch-rivals this weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Arsenal Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Tottenham Hotspur
Jose Mourinho is unlikely to shift away from his tried 4-3-3 formation that essentially turns into a 4-2-3-1 during possession, with Tanguy Ndombele operating as a number ten. The hosts have a definite advantage over Arsenal in terms of creativity so they will look to make sure that they do dominate possession in this match.
Arsenal
Arsenal, on the other hand, should stick to a 4-3-3 which becomes a 3-4-3 during defensive phases with Kieran Tierney dropping in as a centre-back. Arteta might make some changes to his first-team, however, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to return to the left-wing position. The Gabonese international could be key in exploiting Serge Aurier on the flanks.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Two of Tottenham Hotspurs’ key players in Harry Kane and Sergio Reguilon are doubts heading into this game, though we do expect both to recover in time, having been rested in midweek. Toby Alderweireld has also recovered quicker than expected, but he did miss training in midweek so it won’t be surprising to see Joe Rodon starting ahead of the Belgian once again this weekend.
Predicted XI: Lloris; Aurier, Rodon, Dier, Reguilon; Sissoko, Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Son, Kane, Bergwijn.
Arsenal
Arsenal are yet to provide an update heading into this game, but they are sure to miss out on the services of Gabriel Martinelli through injury while Nicolas Pepe remains suspended. David Luiz seems to have recovered from his head injury and could start ahead of Rob Holding at centre-back, with Mikel Arteta set to ring in the changes.
Predicted XI: Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Elneny, Xhaka, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Key Men
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham will be once again banking on the services of star striker Harry Kane as they hope to continue their excellent record in front of goal. The English international’s seemingly telepathic combination play with Son Heung-Min could be key in unlocking the Arsenal defence this weekend.
Arsenal
Speaking of Arsenal, Mohamed Elneny could emerge as a key player for the visitors on Sunday. The Egyptian has performed better than the likes of Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos this season, and with Thomas Partey out injured, his dynamic presence could be crucial in preventing Spurs to dominate the midfield.
