Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what will be the latest installment in this fierce Premier League rivalry. Here is the Combined XI for these two arch-rivals. All players chosen are fit and available for selection. Bet on this game here.
Formation: 5-3-2
Goalkeeper:
Hugo Lloris
The 32-year-old Frenchman has enormous experience and has played the game at the highest level; the World Cup final and the Champions League final. His opposite number, Bernd Leno is an equally capable goalkeeper but Lloris is a much better option.
Defenders:
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Hector Bellerin would most likely have taken this spot if he was fit. Twenty-one-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles was anonymous over the weekend against Liverpool. He was bullied by Andrew Robertson, whose marauding runs created clear goalscoring chances for Liverpool. In spite of that, he was brilliant against Newcastle in Arsenal’s opening game but he struggles for consistency. However, at just 21 years of age he’s demonstrated he can do the job at right-back, which isn’t his natural position.
David Luiz
David Luiz is a good defender. Lapses in concentration have always affected his game but he is one of the best in distribution with a diverse passing range. Against Liverpool, he was responsible for at least two of Liverpool’s three goals. He slightly edges Davinson Sanchez who can be solid but prone to gaffes.
Toby Alderweireld
The Belgium international rarely puts a foot wrong. He’s been subject of interest from various clubs around Europe but his performance on the pitch, most of the time, has been without blemish. Just like Luiz, he possesses the ability to pick out passes and read games. Therefore, he’s an obvious choice.
Jan Vertonghen
Vertonghen has been Alderweireld’s partner in crime for four seasons at Spurs and they make such an impregnable partnership. The Belgian was an unused substitute on Sunday against Newcastle. Nevertheless, he’s been a reliable performer for Spurs since he was signed from Ajax in 2012.
Danny Rose
Rose starred in Spurs’ Champions League adventure last season and has been an ever-present figure in their defence last season. Arsenal’s new left-back Kieran Tierney is injured and his performances from Celtic would’ve made him a worthy competitor to the experienced Rose.
Midfielders
Dani Ceballos
Spanish midfielder arrived from Real Madrid in a loan deal and has already endeared himself to the Gunners faithful. The 23-year-old has the ability to receive the ball in tight areas and escape from opponents with his close control and strength, something that has been lacking at Arsenal. Against the Reds on Saturday, he was dismal and failed to impact the game like he did against Burnley the previous weekend, where he bagged two assists.
Tanguy Ndombele
Spurs new signing has been a regular in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield since his summer arrival from Lyon, scoring on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the competition. He missed last weekend’s game due to a minor injury but he might be available on Sunday. An eye for a pass, dribbling and physical ability makes him an obvious choice, edging Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka.
Christian Eriksen
Christian Erisken has been Spurs’ creative force in recent seasons. With Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil blowing hot and cold, the Dane is the perfect option. He is still the subject of transfer speculations but his ability can’t be questioned.
Forwards
Harry Kane
The Englishman has scored twice in the league already this season and remains one of the best centre forwards in the world. The 2018 World Cup top scorer has won the Premier League Golden Boot twice, which justifies his selection.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Thirty-four goals in 52 Premier League appearances is phenomenal for the Gabon international. He’s already scored twice this season and edges another Arsenal striker, Alexandre Lacazette. His movement and pace make him a terrifying player for opposition defenders.