Arsenal vs Spurs: UAE Fans' Preview

Sport360 staff 21:00 04/11/2016
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  • Ahead of their clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    We asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch. Do you agree or have they missed the mark?

    Have your say by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

    Richard Dcruze, Arsenal UAE Supporters Club Dubai

    THREE BURNING QUESTIONS

    1) Should Olivier Giroud return to the starting XI or must Alexis Sanchez play upfront?

    Sanchez would be a better option upfront until Giroud gets back to full fitness. He’s also proven that he’s the man to lead the line with six goals in 12 appearances in all competitions so far.

    2) Can Arsenal sustain their early-season form?

    If all goes well in November and we don’t have numerous players on the sidelines with major injuries, then I don’t see why not. But then again, the season is only three months in and there’s still a long way to go.

    3) Would a 4-4-2 get the best out of Giroud/Sanchez/Ozil?

    I’ve been wanting us to get back to 4-4-2 for the longest time, just like the Henry-Bergkamp partnership. I was never a fan of playing with a lone striker or using two wingers.

    Having Giroud and Sanchez in front of goal and Ozil sitting right behind them would make our attack a force to reckon with. Especially when we have Cazorla, Ramsey and Coquelin/Xhaka/Elneny to support the front three.

    SCORE PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-0 Spurs

    LIKELY ARSENAL XI: Cech, Gibbs, Koscielny, Mustafi, Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Walcott, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamerlain, Sanchez

    ARSENAL PLAYER TO WATCH: Alexis Sanchez – The Chilean’s been impossible for defenders to stop when he’s in front of goal. He’s formed a terrific partnership with Ozil and has scored some incredible goals when it was really needed.

    TOTTENHAM PLAYER TO FEAR: Hugo Lloris – Arguably been one of the best stoppers in the league since his arrival from Lyon. On his day he is like a one-man wall who is impossible to get past. A perfect example of this is the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen where he pulled off some of the greatest saves I’ve ever seen.

    FAVOURITE NORTH LONDON DERBY MOMENT: When we won the league at White Hart Lane in 2004. No better way for The Invincibles to do it!

    WHERE TO WATCH: The Arsenal UAE Supporters Club’s Dubai branch will gather at Q Bar in Holiday Inn, Al Barsha. Gooners in the capital can do the terrace chants with fellow supporters at Harvesters in Holiday Inn Downtown, Abu Dhabi.

    For more information please contact [email protected]

    Raad Jaboori, Tottenham UAE

    Five games without a win. Cause for concern or a mere blip?

    Manchester City recently went six games without a win (including a 2-0 defeat at Spurs) but they’re still top of the league and beat Barcelona this week. Spurs are missing Harry Kane to convert the many chances the team is creating.

    Is it a concern? Yes, absolutely. But Spurs are only three points off the top of the table, the only unbeaten team and with the best defensive record. Lots to be positive about.

    Should Victor Janssen or Son start upfront?

    Janssen should start. He would give the Arsenal defence plenty of problems by holding the ball up with his back to goal and bringing others into play. Son seems to have gone off the boil a bit since his early season goal scoring exploits. He may well come on later in the game to play alongside or instead of Janssen.

    Should either Dele Alli or Christian Eriksen be dropped given recent form?

    Form is temporary but class is permanent. Both Alli and Eriksen should start for Spurs, no doubt about it. Mauricio Pochettino hinted this week that Eriksen needs to do more and chip in with more goals. I believe he will do that. Alli also needs to up his game, but this boys has bags of  talent and can turn a game at any moment.

    SCORE PREDICTION: A deserved 2-1 victory for Spurs.

    LIKELY SPURS XI: Lloris, Rose, Vertonghen, Carter-Vickers, Walker, Dier, Wanyama, Lamela, Eriksen, Alli, Janssen

    SPURS PLAYER TO WATCH: Dele Alli – An exceptional talent and he’s still only 20. Scores, passes, takes people on and can track back when needed. His temper might get the better of him sometimes but this season he seems to be controlling it better.

    ARSENAL PLAYER TO FEAR: Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal’s best player for the last couple of seasons. Scores and creates a large percentage of their goals and brings others into play.

    FAVOURITE NORTH LONDON DERBY MOMENT: Coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at the Emirates in 2010. Goals from Gareth Bale, Rafael Van der Vaart and a late Younis Kabul header won the game for Spurs. A fantastic victory.

    WHERE TO WATCH: The Locker Room bar, Golden Tulip Hotel, Barsha, Dubai: http://www.goldentulipalbarsha.com/en/restaurants

    FACEBOOK: Official UAE Spurs Supporters Club

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