The game between bitter rivals Tottenham and Arsenal on Saturday is shaping up to be one of the most important North London Derbies in Premier League history.
Outside90 has put together a combined Spurs and Gunners XI ahead of the crucial showdown, considering recent form.
Did we get it right?
Hugo Lloris – Goalkeeper – Tottenham Hotspur
It was tough to choose between two world-class stoppers but Lloris just gets the nod thanks to some recent quality performances. The Frenchman has the best defence in the league in front of him but is still called upon to make vital saves every week. While he is not as busy as he has been in recent years, he consistently earns his club points with his tremendous reflexes.
Kyle Walker – Right-back – Tottenham Hotspur
Another close call with young Hector Bellerin enjoying a great sophomore season in England. However, Walker has hit a new level and is fully fit for the first time since his own breakthrough campaign under Harry Redknapp. The brain-snaps are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Lean, mean and explosively quick down the right flank, Walker is a real handful all game.
Toby Alderweireld – Centre-back – Tottenham Hotspur
Arguably the Premier League’s signing of the season and a huge reason why Spurs have conceded the least amount of goals in the league so far. A complete centre-half just as comfortable in the tackle as he is with the ball at his feet, his leadership and organisation have transformed the club’s once shaky back line. Chipped in with a couple of important goals too.
Laurent Koscielny – Centre-back – Arsenal
The French defender has improved in leaps and bounds every season since arriving in England and is now one of the finest in the country. An intelligent reader of the game, he often snuffs out attacks before they can get started. Has partnered both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel this season but is the clear bright light in Arsenal’s back line. Unfortunately for Arsenal, a knock sustained against Swansea sees him ruled out of Saturday’s clash.
Nacho Monreal – Left-back – Arsenal
Now Mr Consistent for the Gunners and a mature and professional head. He is as solid as it comes on the left side of defence and while he is not the fastest full-back around, the Spaniard’s clever positioning means he is rarely caught out. Monreal is just as effective going forward, keen to whip in a cross and provides a good outlet on the left offensively.
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Francis Coquelin – Centre-midfield – Arsenal
Plays like he has been plying his trade in the Premier League for years despite only being thrust into the top flight fire in January 2015. Can be an almost impenetrable shield in front of the back four at times. Coquelin is a tenacious and combative work horse who has total control of his midfield. Beginning to improve his passing game to try and match the immense defensive side of his game. Vital this campaign and brings much needed balance.
Dele Alli – Centre-midfield – Tottenham Hotspur
It is still hard to believe he is only 19, the complete package in midfield. Alli can get up and back, create, score and works hard defensively too. A brilliant blend of bravado, aggression and skill, he has already scored seven Premier League goals in his first season outside the third division. His rise from nowhere and link up with Harry Kane have been integral to Spurs this year.
Christian Eriksen – Attacking-midfield – Tottenham Hotspur
Has really start to hit his stride after a slow start to the season and has now collected five goals to go with his eight assists. A constant threat at set pieces, the Dane has the ability to boss a game without the flash of other attacking midfielders in England. With ice-cold water running through his veins, Eriksen has a knack for scoring late winners in important games and Saturday’s derby does not get any bigger.
Mesut Özil – Attacking-midfield – Arsenal
One of the standout players in the Premier League and should be recognised as the best of the season if he can drag Arsenal to a now-unlikely title glory. He has finally shown England why is he is among the elite in world football with five goals and an astonishing 18 assists to his name, now in need of just three more assists to break Thierry Henry’s long-standing record. A creative genius who lifts those around him.
Alexis Sanchez – Attacking-midfield – Arsenal
The Chilean has not been at his best in recent weeks and it is hard to say whether he is just knackered or struggling with the expectation of leading the Gunners to the premiership. But he is always capable of the incredible and hunts the ball down like his life depends on it. Six league goals so far is not what is expected of him yet he is a game changer and the North London Derby would be the perfect time to turn it on.
Harry Kane – Striker – Tottenham
The Englishman has effectively shaken off the ‘one-season wonder’ tag with another productive season up top for Spurs. Tottenham’s talisman and at the forefront of everything they do as a team, Kane has hit the back of the net 16 times in the league. Scored against Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season, as well as a double at White Hart Lane to win it last term, he knows just how important this game is as a local lad. Mask or no mask, he could be the difference.
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