EPL 2016/17: Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal, Combined XI

Defence

Right-back – Kyle Walker (Tottenham)

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Kyle Walker of Tottenham Hotspur catches the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth at White Hart Lane on April 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — Kyle Walker’s pace and work-rate make him an asset at both ends of the pitch

Hector Bellerin can consider himself unlucky to miss out but Kyle Walker is right now a more complete full-back with pace, work-rate and end-product and he is highly durable as well. The 26-year Englishman is in his peak years and currently has 5 assists this season as well.

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Hector Bellerin has the technique, game intelligence and quality and will become one of world’s best without a doubt. A shaky defence does not help Bellerin’s cause either. For now, Walker trumps Bellerin for the right-back slot and his ability at both ends of the pitch ensures he is the first-choice for his country as well, ahead of the likes of Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne.

Left-back – Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal celebrates after his shot was deflceted onto Robert Huth of Leicester City (Not pictured) leading to Arsenal's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on April 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Nacho Monreal is one of the most reliable defenders for Arsenal

Danny Rose is the other Spurs full-back who is in peak form but he is out of the match as he is recovering from an injury. Therefore, Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal, who has been enjoying a good season under the radar, clinches the left-back slot.

The Spaniard has two goals and three assists this season and is a very reliable option in defence as well as a good passing outlet in the offence. At 31 years of age, he is definitely not as pacy as Rose but it is important to have experienced players in the side to see out matches, especially in defence and Monreal fits the bill perfectly.

Right centre-back – Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal beats Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Muenchen to the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Emirates Stadium on March 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) — Laurent Koscielny is a leader at the back for Arsenal

While Toby Alderweireld has been getting a lot of plaudits for being a key part of Spurs’ outstanding defence, Koscielny has been having a superb season at Emirates. His performances have been consistent and he is one of the leaders on the side.

The Frenchman has a Whoscored.com rating of 7.33 while Alderweireld’s 6.98 is significantly lower and this justifies Koscielny’s selection ahead of the Belgian. Although Pochettino’s team defends better, as a player Koscielny has the better statistics.

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These point to the fact that Koscielny could have made the Spurs defence much better this season without taking anything away from Alderweireld. Although he is an injury doubt for the match, there are good chances he will make it to the starting line-up.

Left centre-back – Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth at White Hart Lane on April 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Jan Vertonghen is having one of his best seasons this year

Jan Vertonghen is having one of his best seasons for Tottenham. Comfortable on the ball, strong and imposing while defending, the Belgian is the unanimous choice for one of the two centre-back slots.

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Shkodran Mustafi had a good debut season so far but Vertonghen’s consistency, experience, skill and versatility set the latter apart and he is no slouch in the pace department either. These attributes make him the automatic pick for the role and Spurs have 3 players in total to Arsenal’s 2 in defence.