Paul Merson says Spurs have a player who takes them to another level and will make Arsenal will struggle
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to face Arsenal in the highly anticipated North London derby. Both teams enter the match with less than ideal form, having failed to win their final games before the international break. As both clubs look to secure bragging rights in this intense rivalry, injury concerns loom over both squads.
Tottenham are particularly worried about the fitness of Yves Bissouma, a key midfielder for the team.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could be without three of their important midfielders, adding to the complexity of the match.
The absence of key players on both sides puts the spotlight on their respective forward lines, which are expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
A lot of attention will be focused on Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s record-breaking summer signing. Spurs invested heavily in Solanke, paying an initial £55 million with an additional £10 million in performance-related add-ons.
The striker signed a contract that ties him to Tottenham until 2030, making him a key part of their long-term plans.
As the North London derby approaches, Solanke is expected to lead the attack for Tottenham and will likely be at the center of any success they achieve.
Football pundit Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on Solanke’s signing and his potential impact on the team.
Writing for Sky Sports, Merson expressed optimism about Solanke’s ability to elevate Tottenham to a higher level.
He even predicted that the England international could score 20 goals this season, but he also emphasized that playing for a big club like Tottenham comes with significant pressure.
Solanke will need to adjust to the scrutiny he will face, especially when it comes to finishing chances in front of goal.
Merson pointed out that playing for a club like Bournemouth—Solanke’s previous team—did not carry the same level of attention.
Missing a few opportunities at Bournemouth didn’t generate headlines, but now that he’s at Tottenham, every missed chance will be scrutinized.
However, Merson believes that once Solanke starts scoring regularly, he has the potential to become a major asset for the team.
This season could be a turning point for him, especially with Arsenal potentially lacking a solid center-forward option.
Solanke’s return from injury provides him with the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact on the Tottenham fanbase.
Although he missed Tottenham’s last two games due to injury, he now has had more time to familiarize himself with manager Ange Postecoglou’s tactical approach.
If Solanke manages to score or assist in the North London derby, it would immediately win over the fans and help him build momentum for the rest of the season.
On the injury front, Tottenham are hopeful that defender Micky van de Ven will be available for the derby.
Van de Ven missed the team’s defeat to Newcastle United and also pulled out of international duty with the Netherlands due to an injury.
Solanke is also expected to be fit for the match, providing Tottenham with a crucial boost. However, Richarlison is not expected to feature, and Bissouma remains doubtful for the fixture, which could weaken Tottenham’s midfield.
Arsenal are facing even more significant injury challenges. Their captain, Martin Odegaard, is a serious doubt for the match after suffering an ankle injury.
Additionally, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney are all sidelined, which leaves Arsenal’s squad looking somewhat depleted.
Arsenal’s issues don’t stop there, as Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knock while on international duty with Italy, and Gabriel Jesus has been dealing with a persistent groin problem.
To make matters worse for Arsenal, Declan Rice is suspended for the match following a red card in their last Premier League outing.
With both teams struggling with injuries, the North London derby could turn into a tactical battle. Tottenham, under the guidance of Postecoglou, will aim to exploit Arsenal’s weakened midfield and defensive line.
Solanke’s presence up front could prove to be a game-changer if he can capitalize on Arsenal’s vulnerabilities. On the other hand, Arsenal will need to rely on their remaining fit players to step up in what will surely be an intense and hard-fought match.
Ultimately, the North London derby is always a highly charged affair, and this edition promises to be no different.
With key players missing on both sides, the match may come down to which team can better manage their squad depth and make the most of the chances that come their way.
Solanke has the opportunity to cement his status as a Tottenham hero by leading his team to victory, while Arsenal will be fighting to overcome their own setbacks and continue their push for success this season.
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