Tottenham Hotspur are facing their second London derby in just three days at Wembley this afternoon.
After a disappointing and below average performance against Chelsea on Wednesday, it doesn’t get any easier for Tottenham as they host Arsenal at Wembley stadium today. (12:30pm BST, BT Sport 1)
It is clear that Pochettino will need to make some changes to his line up that played in our defeat against Chelsea on Wednesday evening. I believe it is crutial that we start Danny Rose, who will provide us the pace and protection that we are going to need against a well in form Arsenal squad. Rose, not only helps our team defend at far more ease, but also encourages us to push forward and attack much more. With his quick feet and speed down the left, it would be a mistake not to start him in this afternoon’s all important North London Derby.
This will be the third North London Derby of the season, having lost our first Premier League meeting against The Gunners, 4-2 at the Emirates back at the beginning of December. Fortunately, Spurs went on to play Arsenal away again just 18 days after in the Carabao Cup, winning the game 2-0 with a brilliant performance from Dele Alli in particular.
Dele Alli still remains unavailable for selection following a hamstring injury and is still likely not to return until later this month. It is a huge blow for the Lilywhites, because when fit, Dele is one of the most passionate and hardworking players to have in a derby and will always put 110% in everything that he does.
Speaking of those who are most passionate about a derby – Harry Kane. It is vital Kane is given the support needed as he will be the man, along with Son, who will be sure to bag us a goal or two today. Kane may have made the unfortunate decision of playing for Arsenal for a brief period as a young boy (we all make mistakes!) – but there is no hiding of the fact that he loves scoring against them and Tottenham could really do with that again today.
Finally, as long Spurs go into the game with a positive attitude and mindset then they have every chance on winning, despite being in very poor form as of late. It is important Tottenham move on from the recent defeats and not let it affect their performance and belief, because there is nothing like winning a North London Derby! Come on you Spurs!
– Samantha Ramm
