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Combined XI: Arsenal vs Tottenham

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Arsenal host Tottenham in the first North London Derby of the season on Sunday. The Gunners go into the game in great form having gone unbeaten since the opening day of the season. Everything seems to be clicking for Wenger’s men but as we all well know, it doesn’t take much for Arsenal to go downhill and go downhill fast, especially in November.

Spurs, on the other hand, are unbeaten in the League but haven’t really played as well as their record suggests. Spurs go into the game without Alderweireld and Dembele, while Kane will start from the bench. Arsenal also have some injury problems ahead of the game and could be without up to four players: Walcott, Monreal, Bellerin and Cazorla. 

So let’s have a look at the combined Xi for this game…

GK: Hugo Lloris 

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A very tough call to start off with. Both ‘keepers are two of the best at their position and have had solid starts to the season. In terms of who wins the spot in this combined Xi, it goes to Lloris. Lloris just edges it due to his form this year, but in fairness either could be in this spot.

RB: Hector Bellerin 

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Kyle Walker has not been great this season, while Bellerin has continued his surge to become one of the best right-backs in the world. We all know Bellerin is superb going forward but he has also developed his defensive game, so much so that Rio Ferdinand thinks he’s the best at his position in the League. He takes the spot. 

RCB: Shkodran Mustafi 

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Toby Adlerweireld would usually get this spot but with his injury, Mustafi takes the place. The German international has been one of the best signings of the summer, and although he has had some minor blips recently, his overall form puts him in.

LCB: Laurent Koscielny 

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Not much to say here. Koscielny has been outstanding this season. As of right now, he’s probably the best defender in the League. 

LB: Danny Rose

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Nacho Monreal has had unusually patchy start to the season, while Gibbs hasn’t really had enough time to establish himself. Rose, on the other hand, is a solid fullback who has been crucial in keeping it tight at the back for Spurs. 

CDM: Victor Wanyama 

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Bought from Southampton, Wanyama seems to have been a very good purchase. Strong as a rock in midfield, he edges out Granit Xhaka, who has missed the last three games through suspension. 

CDM: Francis Coquelin 

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Cazorla would’ve taken this spot if he weren’t injured. Francis Coquelin ahs been very steady in Arsenal’s midfield and constantly puts in solid performances for Wenger. He partners Wanyama in this midfield. 

RW: Theo Walcott

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If he is fit, which seems he might be, Walcott easily takes this place. The winger seems to be going through a career renaissance as of late – thankfully. His defensive effort seems to have improved and most importantly, his finishing in front of goal is much better. 

CAM: Mesut Ozil 

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The mercurial 10. There isn’t really much competition from any Tottenham player for this spot, therefore, Ozil walks into this positions, much like his effortless performances. 

LW: Son Heung-min

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Having almost left  in the summer, Son has gone to become one of Tottenham’s best performers so far this season. With the absence of Kane, Son has more than stepped into the England international’s boots. Scoring four goals in seven appearances in the League, Son edges Iwobi out. 

ST: Alexis Sanchez 

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With Kane out, Sanchez is the logical selection. Having said that, in his current form the Chilean international probably would’ve edged Kane out anyway had the Spurs player been fit. Sanchez has adapted to his role incredibly well and offers so much to Arsenal. He takes the spot. 

 

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