North London derby: Arsenal v Spurs key battles including in-form Eriksen

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The three key battles to watch out for in the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino.

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, fixture as the Premier League returns this weekend is the first North London derby of the season as Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners trail their rivals by four points in the table and this is sure to be a fiercely contested match at the Emirates Stadium. Here are three key battles to watch out for.

Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace.

Christian Eriksen v Granit Xhaka

Both players had positive international breaks by securing World Cup qualification for Denmark and Switzerland respectively via the playoffs, although in varying styles.

Eriksen netted a hat-trick for the Danes against the Republic of Ireland, while Xhaka’s Swiss outfit limped past Northern Ireland and with the former dropping deeper for Spurs more recently, his midfield rival could be in for a busy afternoon.

Alexandre Lacazette v Jan Vertonghen

With Toby Alderweireld still out injured there is a very realistic chance that Vertonghen will move into the central role in a three-man defence, flanked by Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies.

If that is the case then the Belgian’s task will be keeping Lacazette quiet, which will be no mean feat with the 26 year old having scored six goals in 11 league outings – four of which have come at home.

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace.

Harry Kane v Per Mertesacker

Kane faces a late fitness test and Mertesacker has only made three top flight appearances this term, so this battle is one that is doubtful, although could be very interesting.

Keeping the England striker under wraps is not easy for even the world’s best centre-backs, but an aging Arsenal captain could be in for a torrid time and will have to call on all his experience to come out on top.