Tottenham Hotspur face another test tomorrow when they take on Arsenal in the much-anticipated North London derby. Undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend, Spurs will face a team who have added some good players to their squad in the recently concluded winter transfer window.
Spurs put in a good performance against Liverpool after pretty much swatting Manchester United aside and will know that a win against Arsenal will take them up to third in the league table until Liverpool and Chelsea play their games.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side took on Newport County recently and while many believed it was an unwanted replay, the gaffer won’t be that displeased considering the likes of Serge Aurier, Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld got vital game time. The trio were out injured and will be key to Pochettino’s plans for the coming months as they are active in three competitions.
Pochettino was also able to rest a few big names for the North London derby. Here’s how the hosts could line up for the game.
Defence
Hugo Lloris didn’t feature in the Cup replay as Michel Vorm tends to start the domestic Cup games. Expect the Frenchman to return in goal for the derby. Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen will start at the heart of the defence as Alderweireld isn’t fit enough to start two games in the span of four days.
Kieran Tripper has been pretty solid of late and he could get the nod once again ahead of Serge Aurier. Ben Davies is expected to play on the left.
Midfield
Pochettino is likely to go with a two-man pivot in front of the defence, so we’re likely to see Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele in midfield. The latter will be key as it’s pretty hard to dispossess him. His runs forward on the counter could pose Arsenal a few problems. Christian Eriksen is expected to start in the number 10 role and provide the creativity in the final third.
Attack
Harry Kane was given a much-needed breather against Newport and is expected to return. He didn’t have the best of games against Liverpool but was on hand to dispatch the second penalty and earn Spurs a draw.
Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli could support Kane up front by playing on the wings. Both of them like to drift inwards, thereby creating space for the fullbacks. Also, keep an eye on Lucas Moura who could be handed a few minutes.