Sunday has in store another huge Premier League clash as North-London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal face off at White Hart Lane.
Spurs are looking to keep their chase going on Chelsea as they push for late title push, and by winning this case can secure their first league finish above Arsenal for over 20 years. You can read our preview for the game here.
Both have strong squads, but if we were to combine them and make one team out of them, who would make it into the starting XI?
Well, after a good think, we’ve come to our conclusions to answer that question. Here is our Combined XI for Tottenham vs Arsenal. The team is in a 4-4-2 formation and is based on the current form the players are in.
It was a difficult choice choosing between Lloris and Petr Cech, but this guy is a fantastic keeper and is in the prime of career. He may be protected by the best defence in the league, but he’s doing a fantastic job in Spurs’ title cause and is the captain of his team too.
Neither Bellerin or Kyle Walker are in particularly outstanding form at the moment, so we’ve gone with the player believe is the most naturally talented. Walker is a solid defender and of course, and England international, but Bellerin’s pace and attacking prowess gives him the nod ahead of Kyle.
One of the best centre-backs in the league, Alderweireld’s defensive abilities and presence attacking at corners makes him a comfortable choice for this team, there is no doubt he belongs.
Alderweireld’s partner in crime, Vertonghen forms with him the most secure centre-back partnership in the league. There was a big case for Koscielny here, but Vertonghen would be more likely to break into the Arsenal team than Koscielny into Tottenham’s.
The man in form. 2 goals (sort of) in 2 games for Monreal earns him a spot in this team ahead of the injured Danny Rose.
The man could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer if the papers are to be believed, but he has really turned his Arsenal form around in recent weeks. Spurs don’t tend to play with a classic right-midfielder at the moment, so Ox takes the cake.
Prepare for a lot of Tottenham from this moment forward. Compared to Granit Xhaka as a central midfielder, this guy is a better professional and does a much better job at protecting his back 4. He is more of an asset to Spurs than than Xhaka is to Arsenal, so he gets the nod.
One of the best young talents in Europe right now. PFA Young Player of the Year, and making Mesut Ozil look incredibly average.
The technical ability this boy has is fantastic, he’s one of the most talented players in the league. There is so much to admire about him, his football brain and ability to spot a pass, and his goal on Wednesday vs Crystal Palace was world-class. Top player.
This man is the only truly world-class player left in the Arsenal team, and he could be on his way out this summer. What I don’t like about him is his short fuse and his poor attitude over recent weeks. However, it was him or Vincent Janssen so there was only 1 clear winner.
Tottenham and England’s future.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10