A must win North London Derby for both teams but who makes the combined XI?
Tottenham Hotspur host bitter rivals Arsenal on Saturday afternoon at Wembley in a crucial North London Derby.
Both sides desperately need three points to keep in touch with the top four, while Spurs will also be looking to avenge November’s 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Ahead of the clash, here is a combined XI, based on current form and excluding players who are currently injured.
GK: Hugo Lloris
A close call between Hugo Lloris and Petr Cech but Lloris has been more consistent and has kept more clean sheets than the Arsenal stopper, who seems to be waiting an eternity to earn his 200th Premier League clean sheet.
RB: Hector Bellerin
It was another close call between Hector Bellerin and Kieran Trippier but the Spaniard has played the most matches out of all the right-backs in the two squads. His speed and ability going forward will cause Spurs problems. He has not quite had his best season but none of the right-backs for either team have particularly been outstanding.
CB: Jan Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen is one of the most consistent players in the Tottenham team. He has become a leader at the back in Toby Alderweireld’s absence and has been solid all campaign.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny has grown into one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League over the last few seasons. He is strong in both penalty boxes and is one of Arsenal’s most important players.
LB: Nacho Monreal
Nacho Monreal has become a bit of an unsung hero for Arsenal. He has shown his versatility, having featured at centre back and at left-back. He has also scored some crucial goals and is now one of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet.
CM: Moussa Dembele
Moussa Dembele’s recent return has been a huge boost for Tottenham. The dynamic Belgian is the engine in midfield who has the ability to dominate that area of the pitch. He is strong, breaks up play and drives the team forward with his energy.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey has looked back to his best this season but was unfortunate with the injury he picked up earlier in the season. He was sorely missed by the Gunners but has been fantastic since returning and scored a hat-trick full of quality against Everton.
RM: Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen is now regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in world football. He has unbelievable technical ability and consistently provides goals and assists and makes the game look so easy.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil is also one of the best attacking midfielders on the planet. He has produced some absolutely breathtaking moments and looks unstoppable on his day. He has created 49 Premier League goals since joining in 2013, more than anyone else since.
LM: Heung-min Son
Heung-min Son is now one of Tottenham’s most important players. He is the second highest scorer behind Harry Kane this season with 11 in all competitions. His energy, work rate and creativity has endeared him in the hearts of Tottenham fans who see him as an unsung hero.
ST: Harry Kane
Harry Kane was the easiest pick in the combined XI. Not one single person will argue against his place in this line-up which shows how good he has been. He has scored 31 goals in all competitions and it is only February.
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