‘Different’: Paul Merson says Tottenham 26-year-old will return to XI, sends Arsenal warning

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Paul Merson thinks Richarlison will return to Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI when Tottenham Hotspur take on Sheffield United on Saturday.

One week before the north London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates, Tottenham will aim to maintain their unbeaten start against winless and newly-promoted, Sheffield United.

Even though Son Heung-min netted a hat-trick against Burnley before the international break, Merson thinks that it will be Richarlison who starts as a number nine against the Blades because he will provide something ‘different’ and a ‘physical’ nature to proceedings.

But Merson couldn’t help but also warn Spurs about their trip to Arsenal next week and how it will be their ‘first big test of the season’, as he told Sportskeeda.

Given that Postecoglou’s side beat Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United at home a number of weeks ago, some would argue that was their first proper test.

But not according to Merson, who is backing the London outfit to beat their Yorkshire opponents this coming weekend.

Merson backs Richarlison to start against Sheffield United

“Tottenham have come along really well under Ange Postecoglou and I expect them to win this one quite comfortably,” said Merson.

“I like the way they’re playing, but their first big test of the season comes next weekend when they face arch-rivals Arsenal. Spurs need to win this one though and I think they’ll do so with ease.

“Son Heung-min played through the centre and scored a hattrick in his previous Premier League encounter, but Sheffield United are a physical team, so big Ange might look to play Richarlison up front to add something different to his attack.”

Arsenal v Tottenham

Mikel Arteta’s side did the double over their neighbours last season, with Antonio Conte being in the dugout for both fixtures.

But there is a different vibe and feeling in the Spurs camp this time around.

Yes, they have lost Harry Kane, but the style in which they are playing under Postecoglou has lifted the club, so next week’s showdown is going to be goals galore because Arsenal themselves aren’t going to sit back.