COMBINED: Arsenal vs Spurs

SillySeason name their starting XI for Sunday’s game

The Gunners are looking to bounce back from their humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League this week. Perhaps facing their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs was not what the doctor ordered.

Then the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur must surely be one of its tensest, edgiest, most hard-fought of contests in the Premier League and with Spurs seemingly in fine form this season and Arsenal stopping and starting, this game could go either way.

There is no love lost between these two London heavyweights…in fact, it’s safe to say, they hate each other!

Here is SillySeason‘s combined XI for the game:

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech 

This is the first time in many years that an Arsenal goalkeeper has been picked ahead of the ever reliant Hugo Lloris. However, it is safe to say that Petr Cech is at a different level.

The four times Premier League champion has been the difference for Arsenal this term, making a string of fine saves to keep Arsenal in games they would typically lose.

Cech’s experience will be vital for the Gunners this weekend and once again he could be the difference for Arsenal.

Right back: Kyle Walker

Despite a difficult start to the season following his injury, Kyle Walker has shot back to form that has helped Spurs gain a winning run.

In fact, Tottenham have not lost in their last 6 games (conceding only 5 times).

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may make the team if he was fit, but sadly for the Gunners, he’s missing for Sunday.

Centre back: Toby Alderweireld

Alderweireld has been solid in central defence for Spurs this year. Tottenham have show more consistency in their performance and they say that you build consistency from the back. He must be doing something right.

Centre back: Per Mertesacker

 

Mertesacker has been one of Arsenal’s consistent players over the past few seasons and his experience and relationship with Cech will be essential if the Gunners are to get anything from this match.

You would have Laurent Koscielny in the team, but just like Hector Bellerin, he is expected to miss out.

Left Back: Nacho Monreal 

Monreal has had one of his best season’s this term, impressing both defensively and in attack. He is a solid left-back and his his work cut out against an in-form Spurs attack.

CDM: Santiago Cazorla

Rated as one of the best defensive midfielders in the game, Cazorla has certainly sured up Arsenal at the back over the past two seasons. It is extremely important he has a good game in order to stifle the Spurs free-flowing attacks.

CAM: Christian Eriksen 

Christian Eriksen is arguably having one of his best seasons this term. One of the most under-rated attacking midfielders in the league and if Tottenham are to bag the three points, they will need him to continue his fine form.

LW: Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez has made a huge difference to Arsenal since joining them from Barcelona in the summer of 2014. His form has been reasonably consistent and he is the Gunners main danger man. Spurs will have to keep him quite if they are to get anything from the game.

RW: Mesut Ozil 

Ozil has been in fine form this season, after a difficult time adjusting to life in North London. He is a complete menace on his day and Tottenham will be hoping that the German’s new found form doesn’t last.

ST: Harry Kane

Harry Kane is probably one of the best strikers in the league at the moment. He was outstanding last seasons and has bagged 5 goals this term. He is the man for the big occasion, regularly producing the goods against strong opposition. Tottenham will need him firing if they hope to win this game.

ST: Olivier Giroud

Many people question him, even Arsenal fans, but he does score goals and he’s in great form recently despite not even starting games.

Before getting injured, Theo Walcott was being used as the lone-striker, but Giroud would come on from the bench and add his name to the score-sheet.

With Walcott injured, Giroud goes alongside Kane up front in our combined XI.

 

So there is our XI for Sunday’s game.

What is yours?