The North London derby is always one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Premier League.
However, both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have plenty riding on this weekend’s blockbuster showdown at both ends of the Premier League table.
Tottenham are heading into the game under new leadership after parting company with Thomas Frank only eight months into his spell.
Croatian manager Igor Tudor has stepped in on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign, and has immediately been welcomed with a baptism of fire.
Tottenham are already hovering dangerously above the relegation zone and could be two points off the drop zone by kick-off.
That said, the importance of coming away with maximum points in this game cannot be overstated.
Interestingly, Tudor has started each of his last five managerial spells with a debut win – a run that goes back to his second stint at Hajduk Split in February 2020.
Since then, he has won his opening game at Hellas Verona, Olympique Marseille, Lazio, and Juventus.
While he’ll fancy his chances of extending that record in the Premier League, the Croatian manager will have to do so without up to 12 first-team stars due to injuries and suspension.
How Tottenham could line up
Tottenham are coming into this fixture with the worst injury record in the Premier League. The North Londoners have 11 players in the infirmary while captain Cristian Romero is serving a four-match ban.
Nevertheless, Tudor will have to make the most of a terrible situation, but he’ll likely stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 approach, which could see a couple of players take on new roles.
Joao Palhinha is among those who may be required to do a job outside their familiar position.
The 30-year-old was used as a makeshift centre-back under Frank and could be asked to deputise in that role once again.
He’ll likely line up alongside Radu Dragusin and Micky van de Ven in a back three ahead of Guglielmo Vicario in goal.
Pape Matar Sarr and Conor Gallagher may be tasked with anchoring the midfield while Djed Spence and Archie Gray operate as wing-backs.
Tudor is already familiar with Randal Kolo Muani, having worked with the France international at Juventus. He could line up alongside Xavi Simons behind Dominic Solanke up front.
Key player to watch – Xavi Simons
Tottenham players were given time off after their most recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United. But Simons decided to stick around and put in an extra shift on the training ground.
The Netherlands international is gradually adapting to Premier League football and is keen to be in top shape for the North London derby.
Simons’ enormous talent is undeniable, but he has only shown flashes so far, notching a goal and four assists in 20 league appearances.
It’ll be interesting to see if Tudor’s attacking brand of football is what the Dutchman needs to replicate his exciting form from his days at RB Leipzig.
Predicted XI;
(3-4-2-1): Vicario; Van de Ven, Dragusin, Palhinha; Spence, Sarr, Gallagher, Gray; Kolo Muani, Simons, Solanke.