Sunday, December 22, 2024

Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Team News & Likely Line-Ups For Both Sides

The North London derby, a game where form goes out the window and the result is anyone’s guess, but this year things may be a bit different.

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That’s because for the first time in 20 years, Spurs are set to finish above the Gunners in the Premier League table after a superb run of victories.

Mauricio Pochettino’s managed to get his boys in shape without breaking the bank, something many pundits have suggested may have caused a power shift in North London.

However, I’m not so convinced and now this fixture will spark a whole new meaning of importance for a set of underperforming Arsenal players.

Three points will help push Wenger’s side back into Champions League qualification, as well as continue the momentum ahead of a packed set of games.

And even though the red side of London is on a high from last weekends FA Cup triumph, it’s still not certain what the best XI is to use at White Hart Lane.

Arsenal Team News

The big relief for Arsenal is with Laurent Koscielny, who appears to be fit and well ahead of what promises to be a historic North London derby.

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Koscielny suffered a nasty fall on Wednesday night but his return to first team training gave the squad a much needed boost.

Shkodran Mustafi will suffer a further two weeks on the sidelines but has returned to light training meaning he’ll target our trip to Stoke City on May 13th.

Wenger confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in line to start after resting on the bench mid-week, which was simply a precaution.

Lucas Perez will battle for a place int the squad after taking part in over a week of intensive training with the rest of the first team.

Arsenal Absentees: S. Cazorla, S. Mustafi, D. Ospina

Tottenham Team News

Spurs are sweating over the fitness of Moussa Dembele, who picked up a knock during the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace so he’ll face a late fitness test.

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Danny Rose is continuing his rehabilitation but won’t be ready in time to feature against the Gunners, meaning Ben Davies will keep his place.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Erik Lamela are both suffering lengthy injuries and are unlikely to step back on to a football pitch before the end of the season.

Back-up goalkeeper Michel Vorm has shaken off a back injury and will return to the bench, whilst Harry Winks remains unavailable due to an ACL problem.

Tottenham Absentees: M. Dembele (doubt), H. Winks, E. Lamela, D. Rose, C. Carter-Vickers

Arsenal’s Likely Line-Up (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech

Defence: Gabriel, Laurent Koscielny, Rob Holding

Defensive Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey

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Wing-Backs: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Nacho Monreal

Attacking Midfield: Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil

Centre Forward: Danny Welbeck

Tottenham’s Likely Line-Up (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris

Defence: Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen

Defensive Midfield: Victor Wanyama, Moussa Sissoko

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Wing-Backs: Ben Davies, Kyle Walker

Attacking Midfield: Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen

Centre Forward: Harry Kane

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