Tottenham vs Arsenal: 3 key battles in a huge North London Derby

There will be no mates in north London this weekend as Arsenal travel to Tottenham for a huge derby-day clash.

NLD stakes have rarely been higher than they are right now, with the Gunners needing all three points to stay in title contention and our hosts still aiming to beat Aston Villa to a Champions League spot (ah, remember those days…).

Incidentally, an Arsenal win on Sunday guarantees us a seat at Europe’s top table next year, but the club holds loftier ambitions and will be determined to take the domestic dogfight down to the final game week - especially at Sp*rs’ expense.

Tottenham vs Arsenal: 3 big battles that could decide the North London Derby

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set for all-out war, and here are three individual battles that will shape its outcome.   

1. Ben White vs Timo Werner

One of them cannot stop scoring, the other is on loan from RB Leipzig.

After turning Arsenal into a league-best defensive unit, it seems Ben White is also our best bet up front and will cause Tottenham a lot of problems on Sunday - especially given their Laissez-faire backline approach.

The 26-year-old loves to support Bukayo Saka via overlapping runs and has an excellent final ball, but he is equally dangerous with lofted passes from deep and could therefore help us take full advantage of Ange Postecoglou’s high defensive line.

For all the attacking threat, the Gunners can be vulnerable to counter attacks (as Chelsea demonstrated in midweek) and must beware of Timo Werner’s electric pace. The loanee makes up for poor finishing with intelligent movement and will try drag us out of position to create space for his teammates, something which may require pragmatism to stop.

Even if recent form favours White, Sp*rs found joy down his side last September and are well-equipped to do so again here.  

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