A combined Arsenal and Tottenham XI

Defence

Right-back - Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur)

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)

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)

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)

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.