The much-awaited North-London derby is all set to take place this weekend as Arsenal lock horns with their fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in what will be one of the most highly anticipated matches of this season.
The Gunners are currently sitting sixth, in the Premier League table, four points behind fifth-placed Tottenham. Therefore, the stakes will be high as well as the excitement and tension.
Arsenal are coming on the back of a hugely satisfying 5:1 win over Everton, where they completely dismantled their opponents with some ruthless attacking endeavour. Tottenham, on the other hand, are coming on the back of a draw against Liverpool in the league. After trailing for almost the entirety of the game, the Lilywhites managed to score the equalizer in the last minute, to snatch two points away from the Reds.
Here are three key battles, we should be looking forward to when these two teams collide in the Premier League this weekend.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Jan Vertonghen
The clash between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Jan Vertonghen could definitely decide the outcome of the game.
Arsenal’s newest recruit in Aubameyang is coming on the back of a morale-boosting debut against Everton and will be looking to continue his scoring run this weekend. However, he’ll have to overcome the competent defensive duo of Tottenham.
Jan Vertonghen, in particular, had gotten the better of his Gabonese counterpart, when Dortmund played Tottenham earlier in the season, meaning Arsenal’s star forward will be seeking redemption, in what will be one of the fascinating duels in the match.
Harry Kane vs Laurent Koscielny
While we acknowledge Aubameyang’s quality in the final third, it’s also worth mentioning the fact that Tottenham’s Harry Kane is arguably the best striker in the Premier League right now.
The 24-year-old has already netted 22 goals this season, more than anyone else in the league. He was also the one who successfully converted the penalty in the last minute to hand his team a point against Liverpool.
Kane has been in sensational form this season and stopping him would prove to be a real challenge for the weak looking Arsenal defence. The onus will be on defensive leader Laurent Koscielny to keep the English International at bay and it will be interesting to see whether or not they succeed in stopping Spurs’ talismanic forward.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan vs Eric Dier
Following an incredible debut with Arsenal last weekend, where he notched up three assists, Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be looking to continue his stunning form away at Wembley.
That being said, Tottenham defender Eric Dier will be tasked with the responsibility of stopping the Armenian.
The English International has been a vital defensive cog in the Tottenham midfield and his sheer physical prowess could be useful as Spurs look to keep the dangerous looking Arsenal attack at bay this weekend.