The Premier League is back and this weekend, we see the 2024-25 season’s first edition of the North London derby.
It is a fixture which rarely disappoints, with goals regularly scored at either venue and passion always on display everywhere you look.
Ahead of Sunday’s meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, trusted online betting platform NetBet has put together a combined XI made up of players from the current squads (injury or suspension was not taken into account when selecting the team).
Check out our picks…
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: David Raya
A pretty easy choice, really. Raya has established himself as Arsenal’s undisputed No1 since joining from Brentford – initially on loan – and seems to be getting better with each passing week.
The 2023-24 Golden Glove winner is an exceptional shot stopper and cross claimer, while few keepers in the Premier League are better with the ball at their feet.
Right-back: Ben White
It was tough picking between White and Pedro Porro, but we are going with the versatile Arsenal ace, who also has a remarkable fitness record.
White is brilliant defensively and has proven his worth in forward areas of late, registering four goals and four assists in the Premier League last season.
Centre-back: William Saliba
We could not leave him out, could we? At the age of just 23, Saliba is comfortably among the best centre-backs in the world and has the potential to go down as an all-time great.
A defensive rock with pace to burn and always effortlessly calm on the ball, the Frenchman is everything you could want in a modern-day footballer.
Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhaes
If you are selecting Saliba, you also have to pick his partner-in-crime Gabriel, who has shone in Arsenal colours since arriving from Lille.
The Brazilian brings the tenacity and fiery edge to the Gunners’ magnificent defensive partnership – and he is also up there with the most threatening players from set-pieces on the planet.
Left-back: Destiny Udogie
Do not worry, it is not going to be all Arsenal players. Italian star Udogie enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023-24 and is only going to get better with age.
The marauding left-back is key to Ange Postecoglou’s attacking principles, while he is also a superb 1v1 defender when Spurs are up against it.
Defensive midfield: Declan Rice
While Rice has not played as a No6 much for Arsenal of late and has actually shone as a No8 (further highlighting his talent), the former is his best position on a football pitch – as proven by his time at West Ham.
When Mikel Merino returns from injury, we should see the Englishman slot back into a more natural role, which should benefit the Gunners and give them their Rodri-like figure.
Centre midfield: James Maddison
A bold pick, but when Maddison is on his game there are not many better creative forces in the Premier League – if any.
The ex-Leicester man has a wand of a right foot and can see passes that mere mortals cannot. He also chips in with handy goals and if he gets back to his best, Spurs’ chances of success this season will be significantly boosted.
Centre midfield: Martin Odegaard
What a midfield trio this would be! Arsenal skipper Odegaard has finally fulfilled his enormous potential at the Emirates and is now viewed as irreplaceable by the fans and pundits alike.
Last season, the Norwegian scored eight goals and assisted 10 more in Premier League action, a record befitting of his status as a truly elite footballer.
Right wing: Bukayo Saka
The second-best right winger in the Premier League, behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Saka is on course for yet another superb season after a contribution-filled start and he will be looking to better his top-flight return of 16 goals and nine assists from 2023-24. You would not bet against him doing so either!
Striker: Dominic Solanke
Leaving out Kai Havertz feels very harsh given his form in 2024, but Spurs’ summer signing Solanke has the talent to be a huge hit in North London.
He scored 19 goals in 38 Premier League matches for Bournemouth last season, which is why Postecoglou was happy to splash £65 million on him – and he may prove to be worth every single penny.
Left wing: Heung-Min Son
One of the most consistent scorers in world football, Spurs captain Son is still his side’s main man and simply had to get the nod over Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martienlli in our XI.
The South Korean scored 17 goals and registered 10 assists last season, numbers which barely raised eyebrows because we are all so used to his brilliance. A truly world-class operator.
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