Tottenham Hotspur will take on Arsenal after the international break, and something must change if Thomas Frank’s team are to get anything from the game.
The odds will be stacked against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23, in a must-win North London derby.
Spurs will actually be glad the match is being played at the Emirates rather than their own ground, but defeating the side top of the Premier League table will be far from easy.
It has been a season of mixed results for Tottenham up to this point, and changes need to be made if any points are to be taken from the latest edition of the bitter rivalry. Here are the three things which need to happen to give Spurs the greatest chance of victory.
Destiny Udogie must replace Djed Spence at left-back
There is no question that Djed Spence is a good player, but he has looked too predictable going forward due to being naturally right-footed.
Destiny Udogie has had his injury struggles this season, but his recent performances have been superior to Spence’s.
The Italian defender got his first assist of the season when he came off the bench against Manchester United, and he should be given the opportunity to build on this in the North London Derby.
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Wilson Odobert should play in front of Udogie on the wing
The left side of Tottenham’s team should be completed with Wilson Odobert in attack. The ex-Burnley player has enjoyed plenty of minutes this season, but started on the bench against Manchester United.
Odobert came on and registered an assist, building on the goal he scored in the week against Copenhagen. The 20-year-old’s end product had been lacking up to that point, but he is growing in confidence and has improved in the final third.
Richarlison did not offer much when he played on the left wing in Tottenham’s most recent match, and Brennan Johnson is very hit-and-miss. The Welshman could be brought on if Spurs are trailing and need a goal, but Oodbert is the best option to start.
Mathys Tel has earned another shot for Tottenham
Mathys Tel did in five minutes what Richarlison failed to do in 84 against Manchester United. Of course, the Brazilian did get his goal in stoppage time, but he and Randal Kolo Muani struggled to be effective for the most part.
Tel has still only had a handful of good performances in a Spurs shirt, but building momentum when he is in and out of the team is not straightforward.
Spurs fans are tired of seeing the same players make the same mistakes, and Tel could be the player needed to finish chances and give Arsenal something to worry about. Well, other than Micky van de Ven, of course, who is probably more likely to score than any other Tottenham player.