It’s been a brilliant start in the Premier League for both the North London clubs. Tottenham are yet to lose since the opening day, but have thrown away certain games from winning positions, while Arsenal are silently mounting a PL title challenge and with Chelsea out of the picture, they have quite a realistic chance of winning it too.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have enjoyed admirable success under Pochetino this season and it is mostly due to his managerial skills and his high pressing play style, that works well with his current group of players. When he has found his best XI and yet have a dilemma over who will start this big game fixture, one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, it is a dilemma that every manager would want to have.
He though can be glad that his Goalie and captain is set in stone – Frenchman, Hugo Lloris will play once again and will probably put in a world class shift, he will have to put in a world-class shift to keep out the likes of Giroud (on current form) and Alexis Sanchez.
The back 4 of Tottenham is also quite solid and clear cut. Walker – the Belgian duo of Toby and Jan, whose chemistry has taken this spurs defense to new levels of tightness and Rose. Both wingbacks don’t fear to attack and also track back when required, which really keeps this pressing attacking football style of Pochetino, tick so far.
Eric Dier and Delle Alli have forged a good partnership too. The latter has Bentaleb’s injury to thank for his chances and he has grabbed them very well. Died earned his first call up to the Senior side just recently and he will be looking to prove his selection was worthy. Dembele is in good goal scoring touch and after the winner v Anderlecht on Thursday and also rested for the majority of that game, he is a sure starter tomorrow. His dribbling and physicality should pose a lot of problems for the likes of Coquelin and Mertesacker. Danish international and one of the best free-kick takers in the league currently, Christian Eriksen along with Erik Lamela who looks to be a totally new player this season will continue on the flanks, though South Korean, Son has returned in time from injury for this game, Poch will not hurry him back and hope to give a sub performance at the most.
Up top, no question – Harry Kane, who will look to build on this goal scoring form and also score another NLD goal to his tally and give the supporters much more to sing about.
Emirates is a tough place to visit, especially for Spurs. But this year, it could be different and this game would actually judge how far Spurs have come. I’m going with a 2-2 draw.