Arsenal vs Spurs
Date: 18/11/2017
K.O: 12.30
Venue: The Emirates
TV: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
On Saturday Spurs make the short trip across North London for a grudge match against Arsenal. As the balance of power has shifted towards the lily whites in recent years can, Pochettino claim a rare away win against a top 6 side? Or will Wenger’s Arsenal make a statement of intent for the rest of the campaign.
Spurs will be confident going into Saturday’s North London derby after positive results against Real Madrid and Liverpool over the past four weeks. Arsenal fans could only dream of dispatching the reigning Champions League holders 3-1 at home. But the red side of North London confident of getting a result.
Arsenal:
Olivier Giroud will not be available on Saturday, but this might force Wenger’s hand into starting Lacazette, Ozil and Sanchez together in the forward positions.
Welbeck and Mustafi will need to be assessed ahead of the game, Welbeck might be useful off the bench.
If Wenger does go with the aforementioned front three, Arsenal will be hopeful of creating plenty of chances, even against Spurs’ solid back four.
However, it is in the defensive third that Arsenal may struggle against a Tottenham outfit with plenty of goals in it.
Wenger will have to resist the urge to play high up the pitch and ensure space is not freely given behind, what has at times, been a fragile defensive unit.
Spurs:
Kane, Alli and Winks are all set to return to action against Arsenal having missed international duty.
While Arsenals attacking options of Lacazette, Ozil and Sanchez are likely to cause trouble, Spurs will match Arsenal in that department with the likes of Eriksen, Alli and Kane.
Toby Alderweireld is likely to be out until after Christmas, but a back three of Dier, Sanchez and Vertonghen will still pose an immense challenge for Arsenal to break down.
If Spurs can repeat their performances against Liverpool and Madrid, Arsenal might be in for a frustrating afternoon.
Key Men
Harry Kane has a fantastic record against Arsenal for Spurs netting 6 goals in 5 North London Derby appearances. He is likely to get a few opportunities on Saturday, and he’ll have to take them if Spurs wish to get a result at the Emirates.
Whoever plays in the Arsenal midfield is going to have to step up whether it be Ramsey, Xhaka or Coquelin. The midfield battle may determine the outcome of this one and they can’t allow Spurs to get into rhythm.
Predicted Line-Ups
Arsenal: Cech, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Bellerin, Kolasinac, Ramsey, Xhaka, Ozil, Sanchez, Lacazette
Spurs: Lloris, Dier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Trippier, Rose, Winks, Dembele, Alli, Eriksen, Kane
Predicted Score:
Arsenal 1-2 Spurs
For a full report on proceedings come back to 90maat.com – Your digital Premier League guide
Written By Chris Wyles
