Four Tottenham stars primed to expose Martin Odegaard Arsenal injury in North London Derby
Eyes are now turning to the North London Derby for Tottenham and Arsenal as the first international break of the season draws to a close.
Spurs host Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off) as the Premier League returns with a bang for both clubs. Ahead of the game, Arsenal have been hit with what could be a massive injury blow.
Club captain Martin Odegaard was forced off in the second half of Norway’s Nations League game with an ankle injury. While the extent of the problem is not yet fully known, it is looking likely that he could miss the North London Derby after being spotted with crutches on Tuesday morning.
The blow comes with fellow midfielders Declan Rice and Mikel Merino already ruled out of the game due to suspension and injury. Mikel Arteta could therefore have to turn to an unfamiliar midfield as his team step into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou will hope that his team can take advantage of the situation. But who could benefit most from the forced changes to the Arsenal team? Here’s a look at four Spurs players who could be unleashed.
James Maddison
If Maddison can get on the ball in the right positions, then he is able to dominate games. It was shown in the first half of the season opener against Leicester, where he controlled the game and provided the assist for Pedro Porro’s opening goal.
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Against a makeshift midfield, Maddison should, in theory, find it easier to find that space that allows him to get on the ball in between the lines. That will allow him to be creative and provide chances for both himself and Spurs’ forward players.
Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur returned from a head injury that occurred in the season opener against Leicester by playing the final eight minutes against Newcastle before the international break. He will look to get his place in the starting line-up back for the North London Derby.
Coming up against a makeshift Arsenal midfield could make it easier for Bentancur and the rest of the Spurs midfield to dominate the middle of the pitch. While Bentancur is not known for his goalscoring or assist-making, his work allows other members of the team more freedom to go and attack.
Yves Bissouma
After missing the season opener due to a disciplinary issue, Bissouma has been trying to make it up with his performances upon his return. He opened the scoring in the 4-0 win over Everton before playing 82 minutes against Newcastle before the international break.
In a similar way to Bentancur, if Bissouma can dominate the midfield, then it will only be good news for Postecoglou’s men. In terms of selection, it could be a choice between Bissouma and Bentancur for the middle of the midfield three position.
Heung-Min Son
While not specifically playing in midfield, Son could also benefit from the changes that Arsenal will be forced to make. The continued absence of Dominic Solanke through injury means that Son could play either up front or out wide for the clash against Arsenal.
If the Spurs midfield are able to take advantage of the Arsenal absences and dominate midfield, then it should mean that the service to Son and the other attacking players is better. Their job will be to take advantage of that.
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