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Two of London's big clubs will clash in one of the most anticipated games of this gameweek. Arsenal and Tottenham have been at loggerheads since their inception, and Saturday's match is sure to be an absolute cracker of a derby.
The eternal rivals of North London have had contrasting fortunes this season. For a change, Tottenham have outshone their rivals by a sizable margin, flying high at third in the league table, behind Manchester United only on goal difference. Arsenal, led by a much-maligned Arsene Wenger, find themselves at a lowly 6th, and do not go into this match as favourites.
Tottenham are coming off a stunning victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League, whereas Arsenal were soundly defeated at the Etihad before the international break. Past experience, however, tells us that form and momentum do not count for much in this fierce and generally high scoring encounter.
Arsenal have historically dominated the fixture, but Tottenham are in sensational touch and are favourites to win the match. Here are 5 key personal battles that are sure intrigue viewers of the fabled North London Derby.
#5 Sead Kolasinac vs Kieran Trippier
Sead Kolasinac has so far been one of Arsenal's brightest spots in an otherwise gloomy season. The left-back was acquired on a free transfer from Schalke, and is easily one of the best pieces of business Arsene Wenger has conducted in the past year.
The marauding left-back scored the equaliser against Swansea City and assisted Aaron Ramsey's winning goal to secure an important 3 points for his club. The Gunners haven't had much happiness this season, but they have found an able soldier in Kolasinac.
The Bosnian is almost certain to encounter 27-year-old Kieran Trippier for most of Saturday's game. His solid performances at right-back have given him an edge of Serge Aurier this season, and he has started 7 of the 11 Premier League games so far. Trippier was outstanding against Real Madrid, assisting Dele Alli's goal and opening the floodgates for the team. His stability and calmness at the back have led to an England national team call-up.
While most of the focus will be on both teams' dangerous attacking players, this battle is sure to be an interesting one and could even decide the outcome of the match.
#4 Christian Eriksen vs Granit Xhaka
Christian Eriksen has been something of an unsung hero for Tottenham so far this season. The 25-year-old has scored 3 goals and registered 2 assists in 11 games so far, and seems to be able to create chances at will. He has also been impressive in the Champions League, scoring the final goal against Real Madrid and tormenting Casemiro throughout the match. Eriksen has started all 11 Premier League games for Tottenham so far, and is crucial to their attacking play.
The Danish midfielder is most likely to come up against Granit Xhaka during Saturday's North London derby. The Swiss international was brilliant for former club Borussia Monchengladbach but has been unable to replicate his form consistently for Arsenal.
Xhaka is generally able in possession, but isn't able to win the ball quite so easily and has demonstrated a lack of pace off the ball. While he has shown glimpses of his brilliance as a midfielder, there have been far too many errors committed by Xhaka to consider him one of the best in the league.
This contest is sure to be an interesting one, as Xhaka has his work cut out for him against an in-form Eriksen.
#3 Mesut Ozil vs Harry Winks
Much has been said about Ozil's future at Arsenal, following a turbulent couple of seasons. When played this season, the German wizard has shown signs of returning to his former best, but has surprisingly been lacking in his final product. Once touted to be Arsenal's next Bergkamp, Mesut Ozil's future at the club looks rather bleak at the moment.
The same cannot be said for Harry Winks and Tottenham. The 21-year-old has come of age this season, maturing into his role and producing some steady and excellent performances. Like many of his teammates, the home fixture against Real Madrid was arguably his best match of the season so far. Bossing a midfield against the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos is no mean feat, but Winks seemed to accomplish the same with consummate ease.
Winks still has his best years ahead of him, while Ozil may seem past his best but is still capable of moments of pure magic. A matchup between the two midfielders is certain to be an entertaining encounter, and with both sides looking to take the initiative early on in the match, they are sure to play an integral role.
#2 Alexis Sanchez vs Jan Vertonghen
Like his teammate Ozil, discussions surrounding Alexis Sanchez have mostly involved his future at Arsenal, and not nearly enough has been said about his contribution to the team this season. The Chilean hasn't been in the best form this season, scoring only the solitary goal so far. While his impact on the game should not be measured merely in terms of the goals he scores, his performances, as against Manchester City, simply haven't been up to the mark.
His adversary on Saturday will most likely be the impressive Jan Vertonghen. In the absence of compatriot Toby Alderweireld, Vertonghen has to take up the responsibility of leading the back line at White Hart Lane. The experienced defender has played every minute of Tottenham's Premier League campaign and has been an absolute rock at the back.
On his day, however, Alexis Sanchez is more than capable of taking on the experienced Belgian, and when they do come face to face on the pitch, a very exciting duel is in store. Alexis will have to do everything in his power to justify his status of "talisman" of the team, whereas Vertonghen will have his hands full as he attempts to contain the dynamic Chilean.
#1 Harry Kane vs Laurent Koscielny
No list that involves Tottenham this season can be complete without the mention of the enigmatic Harry Kane. The striker has arguably been the best in the league this season and has scored 8 and 5 goals in the Premier League and Champions League respectively.
The most frightening aspect of Kane's presence in the team for Saturday is his proclivity for goals in the London derbies. Against opposition from the capital city, Kane has scored a staggering 21 goals in 29 games, and on current form, it is likely that he will add to that tally on Saturday.
Laurent Koscielny hasn't been at his best in games featuring Harry Kane, and like much of the Arsenal side, he hasn't been on his best form this season. His return from injury did not go very well last month, with Arsenal throwing away their halftime lead and losing 2-1 to Watford. Although he has put in some good performances at the back, he also featured in Arsenal's devastating 3-1 loss to Manchester City.
Harry Kane has shown no signs of slowing down, and looks determined to shatter club records this season. Laurent Koscielny faces his most difficult test this season, and Saturday would be a very good day for him to regain some of his form. Despite first appearances, Kane is not invincible, and Wenger and Koscielny must find a way to keep him quiet if they are to secure points from the fixture.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and they do not necessarily represent the views of Sportskeeda.
