Destiny Udogie faces brutal Tottenham test, he will be path to victory vs Arsenal
Destiny Udogie is set to face up against Bukayo Saka on Sunday as Tottenham visit Arsenal for the North London derby.
Thomas Frank is expected to start Udogie amid several changes against Arsenal, after the Italy international made a great impression off the bench against Manchester United.
Tottenham drew 2-2 with Manchester United before the international break, with Matthijs de Ligt scoring late on to cancel out Richarlison‘s goal.
It was ultimately a disappointing day for Frank‘s side, who had looked to have finally overturned a dismal run of form at home in the Premier League.
Arsenal are the favourites to beat Tottenham at the Emirates on 23 November, despite the Lilywhites’ strong away form this season.
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Bukayo Saka is a constant threat vs Tottenham
The North London derby has always seemed to have one prominent player who rises to the occasion every single time.
It was Thierry Henry for many years, before Harry Kane took over the mantle and made Arsenal his favourite opposition.
Given Arsenal’s dominance in the North London derby in recent years, that title has now fallen to Saka.
The winger has made 10 appearances against Tottenham since breaking into the Arsenal team, scoring three goals and providing four assists in his last seven North London derbies.
Saka has started this season in strong form, too, and will be tasked with driving the Gunners forward on Sunday amid injuries to several attackers.
Destiny Udogie must stop Saka
In truth, it will not be just down to Udogie to stop Saka. The forward will likely be double, if not triple-marked at times, although it will be the one-versus-one situations which prove key.
The England international has won 51.9 per cent of his duels this season, and has completed 50 per cent of his dribbles for a total of 17.
He will run at Udogie, but the defender’s job will be made more difficult by the two-footedness of his opposition.
Saka can score on either foot, but certainly does favour his left. The Tottenham defender has spent much of his time this season on the bench, but he will now have to step up and stop Saka getting on that left.
Udogie has been dribbled past just three times in the Premier League this season and has won 52.6 per cent of his duels, which does provide some confidence.
And when the two met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season, Saka was kept quiet for much of the game until he provided the corner for Gabriel’s goal.
Given Arsenal’s current injuries, it is likely that Mikel Arteta‘s team will be relying on the impact of their number seven. It will be a match-up that may well prove decisive, and Udogie must ensure he wins it.