Tottenham Hotspur predicted starting line-up ahead of the North London Derby
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This weekend is the big one for Tottenham Hotspur, as Thomas Frank’s side visit the Emirates for the first North London Derby against arch-rivals Arsenal of the Dane’s reign at the club.
Spurs come into the match eight points behind their closest neighbours, but the Lilywhites’ away form will give them encouragement as Frank’s side are unbeaten away from home in the league so far this season. With Arsenal also unbeaten at home, one of those records could be set to fall on Sunday afternoon (16:30 GMT). The Gunners have a series of injury concerns for the match.
The importance of the occasion is not lost on Frank, who said in his press conference earlier this week: "I always say the next game is the most important game, I always have said that, but I’m very, very, very aware there’s two games in a year that’s even more important and this is the first of them. We’re ready, we’re up for it, we’re looking forward to it and we’ll do everything we can to win."
Tottenham predicted starting XI ahead of Arsenal derby clash
The starting XI which Frank picks for the derby will be heavily dependent on who he has available for the clash, with several first-team stars believed to be nearing a return to action.
The Dane revealed some very promising news in his press conference on Friday when he stated that all of Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Randal Kolo Muani are “available” for selection after taking part in training despite recent injury concerns. While the situation surrounding Mohammed Kudus’ availability has not been confirmed, there remains optimism that the Ghanaian will be fit to return after two matches on the sidelines.
With that in mind, Spurs are likely to name an unchanged back five with no new injury concerns to report, and the likes of Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario on top form prior to the international break. It is in midfield and attacking areas where Frank will have significant selection dilemmas.
Predicted Spurs attack for North London Derby
With both Sarr and Bergvall back available for selection in midfield, Frank might ultimately choose between the pair and start one of the young midfielders alongside Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur for the intense atmosphere of the derby. The all-action Sarr could get the nod to retain his place in the XI, but this could be at the expense of Xavi Simons, who has been inconsistent throughout his time in north London thus far.
Frank has at times opted for a 4-3-3 for tough away games in order to be more difficult to break down in midfield, and this could be the case on Sunday against their high-flying neighbours. Simons will hope to start in his first North London Derby, but might have to settle for a role making an impact off the substitutes’ bench.
In the attack, Frank will have a decision to make regarding the match fitness of Ghana international Kudus. But considering the impact the former West Ham United man has made since his move to the north of the capital, the Spurs head coach will hope to start the influential Kudus if he is passed fit. In attack, Kolo Muani will be back in contention while Dominic Solanke remains out for the time being.
Kolo Muani has started the last three matches but is yet to score for his new club, while Richarlison will be pushing to return to his more regular starting spot through the centre - having scored what Spurs thought was a dramatic late winner after starting from a wide position against Manchester United last time out. Wilson Odobert could also get the nod, after making an impact as a half-time substitute in the 2-2 draw.