These battles could determine just who has the bragging rights…
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur go head to head this weekend in another North London Derby with the added spice that the winner will definitely finish the match ahead of their rivals.
SEE MORE:
FA Investigating Calum Chambers’ Transfer To Arsenal From Southampton
Arsene Wenger Confirms Danny Welbeck Back For Arsenal v Tottenham
Tottenham 6-5 Arsenal: 2015 North London Derby Super Team Features More Spurs Stars Than Arsenal Players
The Gunners currently sit fourth whilst Spurs are just two points behind their hated rivals – both will see this as an opportunity to get a leg up in the race for Champions League qualification.
This will be Arsene Wenger’s 45th derby, having only lost six during his time as boss and although this is just Mauricio Pochettino’s second, his side did manage to snatch a draw at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.
Both will want the win to gain the derby bragging rights for this season but which side will come out on top? CaughtOffside takes a look at five key battles that could decide this fiesty affair.
Laurent Koscielny v Harry Kane
Hot off keeping Sergio Aguero tucked in his pocket, Laurent Koscielny will have to fare against the most prolific goalscorer in the league at White Hart Lane this weekend.
Whilst the Frenchman has struggled with injury this season he’s looked typically composed whenever in the side but he will be up against the 20 goal forward who has already decimated the previously robust defence of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
Francis Coquelin v Christian Eriksen
After signing a new contract, you’d expect Francis Coquelin to be in inspired form coming into this match.
And whilst Eriksen has also had a brilliant season, Coquelin has managed to marshall the middle to great effect and marked the likes of David Silva out of the game in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win at Manchester City.
The Frenchman will have to be aware of the Danish midfielder’s runs from deep, especially late in the game as he has scored four goals after the 88th minute so far this season.
Santi Cazorla v Ryan Mason
The Spaniard has usurped even Mesut Ozil to take over as the main creative star in the Arsenal side. Cazorla also seems to have an added steel this season and has put in more committed displays than his previous two season in North London.
Mason will have a lot to handle with the Spaniard bearing down at him with his tricky feet but the Englishman’s tough tackling style is bettered only by his concentration and you’d expect him to give him a hell of a battle.
Mesut Ozil v Kyle Walker
With Cazorla taking over as creator, Ozil has been shipped out to the wing and whilst he struggled earlier in the season in this position, on his return to the first XI after long term injury the German seems to have bulked up, reassessed his game and figured out the kind of role Wenger wants him to have in the team.
His goals against Brighton and Aston Villa shows just how eager he is to make up for lost time and you’d expect Walker to have his hands full with the World Cup Winner.
The Spurs right back has also suffered from injury this season but has been a pretty constant feature in the first XI since his return. He scored against Arsenal in 2011 to secure a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane and will be wanting to repeat the same exploits here.
Olivier Giroud v Jan Vertonghen
Olivier Giroud is another player who seems to have reassessed his game during an extended period on the sidelines. Whilst his hold-up play has always been exceptional, he seems to have become more clinical with his finishing and improved his defensive contribution.
Vertonghen will certainly have his work cut out but he’s finally looked back to the form he showed during his first season under Villas-Boas than some of the nightmarish displays of the last campaign under Sherwood.