Tottenham vs Arsenal: 3 key battles for the North London Derby

2. Jorginho & Thomas Partey vs Yves Bissouma & Pape Sarr

Has anyone tried Ceefax?

Injuries to Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard – alongside Declan Rice’s suspension – have reduced Arteta to slim pickings in midfield and may force him to get creative on Sunday, most likely done by fielding two experienced heads there.

But a Jorginho/Thomas Partey double act is not ideal. For all their benefits (good passers, seasoned pros, technical ability, etc), both players are in physical decline and do not boast the athleticism they need to recover during a Tottenham breakaway – a concerning game state which the boss must work hard to avoid.

Of course, such worries will be music to Sp*rs ears as their probable duo, Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr, share a tenacious style and energy that could win them control of the engine room. They will give neither Jorginho nor Partey a moment’s peace all game, so our pairing must use all of their experience to deny them any chances for turnovers.   

This is tricky to navigate, but that is why Arteta is paid the big bucks.

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