Tottenham take on Arsenal on Saturday, with the game potentially giving Tottenham’s title hopes a big boost or potentially pushing Pochettino’s side back into the chasing pack depending on the result.
Tottenham
Tottenham’s defeat to West Ham on Wednesday night ended a run of six consecutive league wins for Spurs and saw them fail to close the gap on Leicester City.
However, Mauricio Pochettino will want to make sure his side return to winning ways as soon as possible and he is likely to make a number of changes from the starting XI at Upton Park. The full backs are once again likely to be rotated, with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose coming in for Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies. The best news for Mauricio Pochettino is that midfield duo Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele are once again fit enough to start, after recovering from a minor foot injury and a groin injury respectivly.
Arsenal
Arsenal have hit something of a brick wall recently and are without a win in their last four in all competitions. Arsenal’s latest two defeats, against Manchester United and Swansea have seen the Gunners fall further back in the title race as they aim to win their first win league title.
Arsene Wenger’s task of getting back his side to winning ways at White Hart Lane on Saturday, is made even more difficult with the absence of Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny who have been two of Arsenal’s most impressive players so far this season.
Manager’s thoughts
Mauricio Pochettino
“We expect another tough game against Arsenal and we need full energy to win the game.
“I don’t feel the squad feels pressure. We have 10 games, a lot of points to play for.” (BBC)
Arsene Wenger
“It is one of the few derbies where the title is at stake. It is a big one, a very important one.
“Maybe our confidence has been a bit jaded but it’s like always in football. We do 98% of things right and we have to add the 2% of things that are down to maybe finding back our collective qualities, and even put more effort in.” (BBC)
Last time out:
Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham- 8th November 2015
My prediction:
Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal
