Tottenham host Arsenal on Sunday, March 16 at White Hart Lane in the North London derby. Both clubs disappointed midweek in Europe, with Spurs losing 3-1 at home against Benfica for the Europa League Round of 16, and the Gunners crashing out of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw at Bayern. It was another mediocre performance from Tim Sherwood’s team last Thursday, but a win against the neighbors would go a long way to restoring morale, and even their chances of Champions League qualification, depending the result of the ManUtd vs Liverpool match. Let’s take a look at the manager’s possible choices for this match.
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris is the undisputed no.1 for Spurs this season and he is certain to start against Arsenal.
Defence
Kyle Walker is to undergo a late fitness test for a groin problem, so Kyle Naughton will probably start at right back, while Kyle Naughton returns on the left. Jan Vertonghen and Younes Kaboul will play in the heart of the defence, with the latter’s red card against Chelsea rescinded earlier in the week.
Midfield
There are problems in midfield, with Ettiene Capoue still out and Moussa Dembele doubtful for this match. Should Sherwood decide to play a 4-4-2 formation, Aaron Lennon is the favorite to start on the right, and Kristian Eriksen made a claim for the left side of midfield with his performance against Benfica. Paulinho and Sandro should form once again the central defensive partnership. Gylfi Sigurdsson, Nabil Bentaleb and Nacer Chadli are also available for the midfield slots.
Attack
Sherwood surprised many by playing Harry Kane alongside Emmanuel Adebayor up front against Benfica. Obviously, the manager wanted to keep Roberto Soldado fresh for Arsenal, so the Spaniard should be restored in the lineup as a partner to Adebayor. Kane could be used in the course of the match, but Erik Lamela is still out.
Possible lineup (4-4-2): Lloris; Naughton, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Rose; Lennon, Paulinho, Sandro, Eriksen; Adebayor, Soldado.
