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Owen Hargreaves picks an Arsenal and Tottenham combined XI

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino shake hands before the game (Reuters)
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Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates in the North London derby on Sunday.

Speaking to BT Sport, former Premier League midfielder Owen Hargreaves has named his combined Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur XI.

Arsenal host Spurs at the Emirates on Sunday in the first meeting between the two teams this season.

They are arguably the closest they have been in a long time, with just three points separating them this season after they finished just a point apart in the last campaign.

Tottenham's Hugo LlorisTottenham’s Hugo Lloris

Both teams are currently filled with talent, so picking a combined eleven is no mean feat. Nonetheless, Hargreaves has managed to just that for BT Sport with Tottenham managing to get more men into the final team.

In goal, he elects to go with Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, ahead of Premier League legend Petr Cech.

His defence is perfectly split, with Danny Rose and Hector Bellerin in the full back positions and Laurent Koscielny and Toby Alderweireld at centre back.

Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny celebrates at full timeArsenal’s Laurent Koscielny celebrates at full time

In central midfield, Granit Xhaka is paired with Victor Wanyama, while there is no surprise to see Mesut Ozil get in ahead of Christian Eriksen in the number ten position.

Alexis Sanchez is deployed on the left wing, not up front where he has impressed for the Gunners this season, while Dele Alli is deployed on the right wing. Up front Hargreaves chosen striker is Harry Kane.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their third goalArsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their third goal

Three surprising exclusions:

Petr Cech – The veteran goalkeeper has proved his worth to the Gunners since arriving from Chelsea and the decision between him and Lloris is a tight one.

Jan Vertonghen – The Belgian has formed a formidable partnership with Toby Alderweireld in the centre of Tottenham’s defence and many would pick him ahead of Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny.

Santi Cazorla – The creative spark in Arsenal’s team, the Spaniard is sorely missed when he is out of the starting line and would add better balance to this team’s midfield.

Tottenham's Harry KaneTottenham’s Harry Kane