A combined Arsenal and Tottenham XI

Ars
Arsene Wenger's(L) side takes on Mauricio Pochettino's(R) side this weekend

Tottenham host their great North London rivals Arsenal this Saturday in another crucial derby. It wasn't so long ago that Arsenal could expect to always be the favorites against their arch-rivals, but contests have been much more contested in recent times. In fact, as it stands, Tottenham find themselves 4 points and 1 place above Arsenal in the Premier League table.

It says a lot about Mauricio Pochettino's team and their inconsistency that Arsenal are so close to them, despite a frustrating campaign for Arsene Wenger with many fans repeatedly calling for his resignation.

Arsenal, of course, made some stellar signings in the January transfer window, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan should be expected to make their North London derby debuts this weekend.

Under the gaze of a large and ferocious crowd at Wembley, it will be fascinating to see how Wenger's new-look team cope against Tottenham's finely-tuned side.

With 1 day to go, it's interesting to consider who would make it into a combined starting XI between the two clubs: where once Arsenal wold have dominated such a fantasy side, Tottenham have the strongest squad these days and the lineup should be more balanced between red and white.

On that note, this slideshow will lay out the best XI consisting of players who will feature in the North London derby:

Formation: 4-4-2 (Diamond)


Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Lloris has saved his team on numerous occasions over the last few seasons

Arsenal's Petr Cech is indisputably one of the Premier League's finest ever goalkeepers, a legend at Chelsea for his many years there. He joined Arsenal in 2015 and has made almost 100 league appearances for them, but, at 35, his best years are now behind him. Mistakes have seeped into his usually solid game, notably against Swansea a few weeks ago.

Hugo Lloris, on the other hand, is firmly at his peak and captains and commands his side from the back. The Frenchman has been one of Europe's best goalkeepers for years now, perhaps in the top 5, and is a modern-day all-rounder: he's an excellent shot-stopper with great reflexes but he's also decent distributing the ball with his feet.

Lloris is the type of goalkeeper that instils confidence in his defence as they know they can trust him in one-on-one situations. Cech still can be great on his day, but this season, Lloris has definitely been the better goalkeeper.

Defence

Right-back - Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United - Premier League
Aurier has battled with Tripper to be the number 1 right-back for his team

The tenacious defender was signed from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and has been eased into the first team by Mauricio Pochettino.

He's shared responsibilities in his position with Kieran Trippier, partly because of his competitor's good performances when called upon, and partly because of his volatile temperament which has seen Aurier pick up numerous needless bookings.

He came with a controversial reputation from France, and his temper often lets him down, but purely on ability, Aurier is an incredible right-back. If Pochettino can tame his wild side, Aurier could easily play for any of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Arsenal's Hector Bellerin doesn't have disciplinary issues but has suffered problems with his confidence this season. Once touted as the best young right-back in Europe, his form has faltered in the last season or two.

His attacking contributions have reduced and his defending has been suspect in many games. Bellerin has all the athleticism and speed to be an effective elite defender but Wenger needs to refine the player's game to reach that stage.

Trippier and the Spaniard have their qualities but in terms of confidence, power and ferocity, pale in comparison to Serge Aurier.

Centre-back - Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League
The Belgian international has been a rock for Tottenham at the back

The easiest position to pick in this combined team, Alderweireld has been one of Europe's best defenders in recent years. He joined Tottenham for the 2015/2016 season, and immediately upgraded their defensive strength. He's comfortable on the ball, strong in the air, and resolute in his tackles; the Belgian could easily walk into most defences in Europe.

He's formed one of the best defensive partnerships in EPL history with countryman Jan Vertonghen and the duo's understanding with each other is a large part of Tottenham's success.

Arsenal have notoriously struggled in this same position and Wenger hasn't settled on a partnership to play at centre-back: a progression of decent but limited players have operated beside Laurent Koscielny without forming a strong relationship.

Koscielny is, to be fair, a good defender when fully fit, but an effective partnership at centre-back is so vital to the function of a team, and splitting up the Belgian internationals would be detrimental to the defence.

Centre-back - Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Newport County v Tottenham Hotspur - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Vertonghen deserves more praise for his consistently outstanding performances

The other half of that great partnership, Vertonghen has been an ever-present for his club for 6 seasons now. He hasn't received quite as much acclaim as Alderweireld which is somewhat surprising.

There are few defenders in football today as calm and composed on the ball, and Vertonghen never seems rushed or flustered by opposition attackers. It's a fine ability to have and means Tottenham are rarely under undue pressure at the back.

Pochettino bought youngster Davinson Sanchez from Ajax and while he has shown promise, the Colombian is still a rough diamond and Tottenham simply aren't as solid when the Belgian pairing is split up.

Vertonghen is left-footed while Alderweireld is right-footed, lending great balance to the central defence. Arsenal have been lacking a similar left-footer since Thomas Vermaelen left the club for Barcelona and his usefulness simply cannot be underestimated.

Left-back - Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)

Swansea City v Arsenal - Premier League
Monreal has seen off stiff competition to remain in Arsenal's first team

The first Gunner to make this team, the left-back spot was one of the hardest to choose but Nacho Monreal deserves his place because of his amazing form this season so far. Wenger signed Sead Kolasinac from Schalke, who came with a great reputation but hasn't been able to cement his place in the side, thanks to Monreal's performances.

At 31, many said that his time at Arsenal would be coming to an end but it says so much about the player's passion and temperament that he's had his finest campaign for the club yet - that too, when others around him have inexplicably struggled. Notably, Monreal has managed 4 goals in the league from defence, a great contribution.

Ben Davies and Danny Rose have split duties at left-back for Tottenham and both are amongst the best in the EPL in their position.

However, Davies is a solid defender who lacks a little attacking verve in comparison to Monreal; Meanwhile, Rose is England's starter at left-back but has had contentious off-field problems, with the player reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United.

Based on form this season, though, Monreal is fully deserving of the left-back slot. The way he's defied his growing years to be a threat in attack while also being firm in defence, is incredible.

Midfield

Right-central midfield - Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Ramsey has been on top form for his club this campaign so far

A player who can equally frustrate and excite fans, Ramsey seems to be enjoying one of his best seasons for Arsenal since his sensational 2013/2014 campaign when he scored 10 goals in the EPL.

The Welsh international already has 6 goals this season, and seems likely to grab many more. When it comes together, his all-action play and link-up ability hold Arsenal's midfield together.

Ramsey has mainly played as a half of 2 sitting midfielders in Wenger's side but this defensive responsibility doesn't really suit his game.

Operating on the right of a 3-man midfield would allow him to bomb forward more and offer the player more freedom to find gaps in the opposition's defence.

Tottenham don't have a player that similar to Ramsey, with all of Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama, and Moussa Dembele preferring to sit deeper and do their work from there.

Central-defensive midfield - Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur)

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Wanyama can strike fear into opposition midfielders

It must be tempting for Arsenal fans to imagine how much success their team would have had if Wenger had signed a player with Wanyama's qualities.

There is, simply, no player in Arsenal's squad close to offering what the Kenyan powerhouse does: Wanyama has unbelievable strength, power and completely dominates the midfield when he plays. He's perhaps the best defensive shield in the league aside from Chelsea's tireless N'Golo Kante.

Tottenham have certainly missed his talent due to injury for much of this campaign, but Wanyama returned in sensational fashion, blasting in a pile driver of a shot against Liverpool at Anfield in their 2-2 draw.

Eric Dier plays defensive midfield in Wanyama's absence for Tottenham but, like Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny, doesn't offer the same authoritarian attitude that the position demands.

Wanyama might not be as effective a passer as those two but he would provide the energy and strength that a defensive midfielder requires to allow those around him to express themselves.

Left-central midfield - Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League
Eriksen makes Tottenham tick with his creativity

Since arriving from Ajax, Eriksen has been amongst the EPL's best midfielders but he's seemed to step up another level this season. Outside Manchester City's amazing Kevin de Bruyne and a certain Arsenal playmaker by the name of Mesut Ozil, there are few greater creative outlets in the league.

Eriksen has also contributed with 7 league goals this campaign, and is transforming into a world-class footballer. He's been around so long that it's incredible that Eriksen is still only 25, meaning his best years should still be ahead of him.

Whether these years will be played at Tottenham remains to be seen, but Eriksen is good enough for any other EPL starting side. Manchester City has enjoyed great success after Pep Guardiola moved playmakers De Bruyne and David Silva into the central midfield, and Eriksen possesses the flexibility and talent to undertake a similar role.

Arsenal has many attacking talents like Alex Iwobi and new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan but the former is still young and honing his ability, while Mkhitaryan needs to rediscover his confidence after his frustrating time under Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Attacking midfielder - Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Ozil's vision is unmatched in the Premier League

When the German signed an unexpected contract extension in January, it was greeted like a completely new signing by Arsenal supporters, and with good reason. Ozil often attracts criticism for appearing uninterested in football when playing and for being defensively weak but he remains a world-class midfielder.

Throughout his more challenging spells at Arsenal, he's still laid on many great chances for his teammates, most of which have been wasted. With the firepower Wenger has just acquired, Ozil should be relishing the opportunity to link up with them.

A 3-man midfield behind him would allow Ozil to concentrate on creating, freeing him from defensive responsibilities. Playing in this slot would also offer him the most freedom to float around the pitch as he sees fit, combining with his other attackers and finding spaces in behind the defence.

There were many Tottenham fans declaring their youthful sensation Dele Alli a better player than Ozil last season but his game has unfortunately dropped in quality during this campaign, so far.

Alli only has 5 goals in 25 appearances and hasn't linked up as well with Eriksen and Harry Kane as he did to such devastating effect last season. He's still only 21 and is allowed an inconsistent spell in his play, but Ozil undoubtedly remains one of the best playmakers at the moment.

Forwards

Right-forward - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Aubameyang scored on his home debut for Arsenal

If it works out as many foresee, Aubameyang's signing could be one of the most important of Wenger's Arsenal career. He was one of Europe's best strikers for a few years before he departed Borussia Dortmund and left them with a tremendous 98 goals in 144 Bundesliga appearances.

The player had been seeking out a move to a bigger team all campaign, and finally got his wish in January.

Aubameyang scored on his debut and Arsenal fans must be looking forward to having a world-class forward during his peak years. The Gabon international's game is defined by his burning pace and extreme acceleration, so a partnership with Ozil should prove fruitful, given Ozil's incredible passing range.

Alexandre Lacazette, who only joined from Lyon in the summer and has performed admirably well for his new team, when given a chance, and will feel unlucky to not make it, but Aubameyang is simply the best option for this slot, as things stand.

Left-forward - Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Kane has a great chance of being the EPL's top scorer this season

The single easiest choice in this side, Kane has transformed this season from a great Premier League goalscorer into a true world-class talent. Like Aubameyang, his goals record for his club has been unbelievable:

Kane now has 100 league goals in a mere 133 appearances, which made him the second fastest player after Alan Shearer to reach this milestone. The Englishman has been Tottenham's sole front man for the last few seasons, often carrying the side's hopes by himself but has the qualities to be equally effective in a forward partnership.

What's been notable this season, is Kane's increased effectiveness in link-up play and the fact that his passing range has been sensational. Having a speedy player, then, like Aubameyang could be the player needed up top to get onto the end of Kane's through balls and combine devastatingly together.

Kane's form has led to Real Madrid being strongly linked with him, and Tottenham fans should enjoy watching him play for their club while they still can.

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Edited by Aakanksh Sanketh