Tottenham and Arsenal face off in what could prove to be one of their most important meetings in years as they take the north London derby on the road.
Arsenal’s transformed attack will head into the north London derby against Tottenham in high spirits after thrashing Everton last time out.
Spurs will host the Gunners with confidence after taking a point away to Liverpool in a dramatic match at Anfield.
The Gunners looked like a new outfit following Saturday’s 5-1 thumping of Everton at the Emirates Stadium, where new club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cast a happy figure after netting a debut goal:
The Gabon international wasn’t the only new man who enjoyed a fine performance, either, as fellow winter arrival Henrikh Mkhitaryan assisted three of the five goals. Aaron Ramsey also got in some good derby preparation with a hat-trick of goals.
“After Arsenal, I bounced around a bit and went back to play for my local team, and then I was spotted by a scout from Watford who offered me a trial.
“It’s funny how things work out, as it was after playing for Watford against Tottenham that I got the opportunity to join Tottenham’s youth academy. The white kit fit better on me, I think.
“I remember the first time we played against Arsenal [for Tottenham’s academy team] and even back then, I had a chip on my shoulder. It might sound ridiculous. I was only eight when they let me go, but every time we played them, I thought, ‘Alright, we’ll see who’s right and who’s wrong’.”
With 13 goals in his last 10 appearances, it’s fair to say Kane is displaying the kind of form that makes him arguably as threatening as he’s ever been to his old club, but Arsenal have new tools at their disposal.
The Gunners’ recent transfer activity has put them in a new light after an up-and-down first half to the season, but a win at Wembley on Saturday could provide a springboard from which to launch this term’s revival.
A win has even more value for Tottenham now, though, as Chelsea’s defeat at Watford left them within touching distance of Pochettino’s side, who can climb into third spot ahead of Liverpool—temporarily, at least—with a north London derby victory.
After Alexis Sanchez decided to leave the capital for Manchester, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger had to quickly strengthen his pool of players.
It has been an abject season for the north London giants, and the loss of the Chile international added further disappointment for supporters.
However, the arrival of Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan has warmed Arsenal fans’ hearts, as the attackers attempt to rekindle the understanding they had at Borussia Dortmund.
The pair quickly clicked as Arsenal beat Everton 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and it appears Wenger again has an attacking option to be feared.
Mkhitaryan was maligned during his short spell at Manchester United, but the Gunners boss is the type of coach who will get the best out of his skill set.
Toby Alderweireld is Spurs’ only injury concern, with the defender back in training and likely to be in contention for the derby should he make an appearance against Newport in midweek.
Victor Wanyama will hope his stunning goal off the bench will earn him a start as Pochettino seeks control of the midfield, though Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier have impressed against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Danny Rose will also be pushing for a start on the left flank, while Lucas Moura is unlikely to be included as he works on his fitness following his January move from PSG.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Arsenal wins – 81
Spurs wins – 62
Draws – 51
POSSIBLE LINE-UP
Tottenham: Lloris; Trippier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies, Dembele, Dier, Alli, Eriksen, Son, Kane
Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Ramsey, Xhaka, Ozil, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang.
