Arsenal vs Tottenham tactics: Rice fight, Zinchenko targeted and how the north London derby will be won
ne of the most intriguing north London derbies in recent years takes place tomorrow as Arsenal look to stop fast-improving Tottenham in their tracks.
Both clubs have four wins and a draw from their opening five games as Mikel Arteta looks to build another Premier League title challenge and Ange Postecoglou makes an impressive start down the road.
Arsenal are looking to record a third straight win over their local rivals but will have to be at their best to blunt a rampant Spurs side.
Here is where we think the derby will be won and lost…
Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka celebrate beating Tottenham last season.
/ PASaka to give Udogie true test
Destiny Udogie has made a fine start to his Tottenham career, but Sunday will show what he is really made of. The 20-year-old must find a way to stop Bukayo Saka, who already has three goals and four assists this season.
Udogie likes to get forward, however he must be wary about leaving too much space and will need support from those ahead of him.
Dan Kilpatrick reacts to Postecoglou on Arsenal game
Bissouma and Rice midfield battle
Yves Bissouma has been one of Tottenham’s brightest sparks under Ange Postecoglou, rediscovering the form he showed during his time at Brighton.
The 27-year-old will look to break up play and stifle Arsenal’s midfield, but he will have to find a way of thwarting Declan Rice, who has added the power Arsenal’s midfield was craving and will look to dictate the tempo of Sunday’s game.
Tottenham to target Zinchenko
If there is one weakness in Arsenal’s defence, it can be argued that it is Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukrainian is excellent on the ball, however at times he can be vulnerable defensively.
Tottenham will look to exploit that, with Dejan Kulusevski very good at working space. The Swede is able to move his opposite number inside or out, and Zinchenko will need to be wary about tucking into midfield.
