Mauricio Pochettino’s men were handed a tough February when the fixtures were released last year. They were scheduled to play Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal in consecutive games but the Lilywhites have now taken four points from the first two and will look to continue their run, against their fierce rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners put Spurs to the sword in the reverse fixture at Emirates earlier this season and have a chance to push them down the points table, with a win in this game. Both teams have some top class players, who are expected to put on a show at Wembley this weekend.
And it is always interesting to see who makes the combined XI of this fixture. It is not an easy pick but here is the strongest Combined XI of this North London Derby:
Formation (4-2-3-1)
GK – Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur):
The French international has been more effective and consistent than Petr Cech, who has cost Arsenal a few points this season.
RB – Hector Bellerin (Arsenal):
With Spurs shifting between Serge Aurier and Kieran Trippier, Bellerin has been a constant presence in Arsenal’s side in the RB in this XI.
CB – Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur):
Arguably one of the best defenders in the league this season, Vertonghen is an automatic choice for this role in this side.
CB – Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur):
With Arsenal’s backline struggling all season, the fit-again Alderweireld should find a place in this lineup.
LB – Nacho Monreal (Arsenal):
Ben Davies has been decent this season but Monreal has added more to the side in a CB role but should start here as a left-back, his traditional role.
CM – Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal):
The Welsh international has been effective in most games in the midfield and certainly finds a place in this side.
CM – Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur):
The Belgian playmaker is an important part of the squad under Pochettino and eclipses the likes of Granit Xhaka and Jack Wilshere, into this XI.
RW – Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur):
With none of Arsenal’s wingers showing any form, Eriksen gets an easy pass into this side.
CAM – Mesut Ozil (Arsenal):
Though not at his best, Ozil has still been one of the most productive players for Arsenal and indeed one of the most productive, among both the teams.
LW – Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur):
The English international has struggled to find consistency this season but as already mentioned, Arsenal’s lack of quality out wide will see Alli included in this XI.
ST – Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur):
A name that completes every such team in the Premier League, Kane has recently scored his 100th league goal and will look to add to it this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
