It is a gargantuan weekend in north London as Tottenham host Arsenal within the first derby of the 2024/25 marketing campaign.
Ange Postecoglou’s facet, who’ve solely managed 4 factors from a attainable 9, can be determined to supply a extra coherent efficiency than the one they supplied in defeat to Newcastle United earlier than the worldwide break.
The Australian coach nonetheless awaits his first north London derby triumph and he’ll hope that Spurs can benefit from a weakened Arsenal facet this weekend.
The Lilywhites have their very own health issues although. Dominic Solanke could be absent on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, along with his deputy Richarlison additionally caught within the therapy room. Yves Bissouma has picked up a knock on worldwide responsibility and is now a doubt, whereas Micky van de Ven missed the Newcastle loss earlier than the worldwide break.
Right here is how Spurs might line up this weekend.
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – The Italian goalkeeper’s set piece struggles had been evident as soon as once more at St James’ Park, even when his indecisiveness did not show expensive. Given Arsenal’s risk from lifeless balls, he’ll want some assist from teammates this weekend.
RB: Pedro Porro – Any defensive inconsistencies could also be punished by Arsenal’s proper flank, whether or not or not it’s Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli. Nonetheless, his attacking risk will trigger the Gunners loads of issues.
CB: Cristian Romero – The Argentine must management his mood this Sunday. The very last thing Spurs want is the fiery defender making a rash determination that turns the sport in Arsenal’s favour.
CB: Micky van de Ven – Having missed the Newcastle defeat earlier than the worldwide break, Van de Ven ought to return for the north London derby. The Dutchman’s tempo can be useful when Bukayo Saka makes darting runs in behind.
LB: Future Udogie – Udogie loved an ideal battle with Saka on the Emirates Stadium final season and can be desperate to wrestle with the winger once more. Preserving the Englishman quiet is vital to stifling Arsenal.
DM: Pape Matar Sarr – If Bissouma is to overlook out by an harm suffered with Mali, then Sarr’s defensive duties will enhance considerably. The towering midfielder can be aiming to dominate a weakened Arsenal midfield.
DM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Bissouma’s most probably alternative could be Bentancur, even when he isn’t his most pure one. He might show key in dictating the tempo up in opposition to a much-changed Arsenal midfield.
RW: Brennan Johnson – Johnson fully altered the sport when he got here on at half-time in opposition to Newcastle, forcing Spurs’ equaliser and proving a relentless menace within the last third. He is absolutely earned a begin.
AM: James Maddison – The previous Leicester Metropolis midfielder dazzled on the Emirates final season with two assists for Heung-min Son and he can be happy that compatriot Declan Rice is suspended for the weekend conflict.
LW: Heung-min Son – Eight targets and two assists in opposition to Arsenal in previous conferences, Son can be aiming to enhance that file on Sunday. His battle with Ben White might show decisive.
ST: Dejan Kulusevski – The Swede acted as a quantity 9 in pre-season and did so once more at St James’ Park final trip. Spurs will hope to have Solanke match this weekend however Kulusevski can pose a distinct risk for Gabriel and William Saliba.
