Tottenham expected XI v Arsenal: Fan favourite starts, in-form ace axed
COMMENT By Richard Parks
Mauricio Pochettino has some big selection decisions to make for Tottenham’s crunch league clash against Arsenal on Saturday.
He rested most of the big guns for Wednesday’s FA Cup replay cruise against Newport County as Spurs ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
An own goal from Dan Butler opened the scoring, before Erik Lamela scored his first goal in well over a year to double Tottenham’s lead, which they easily protected until the final whistle.
They now face a trip to Spotland to take on Rochdale in the fifth-round next weekend, but before that their focus shifts to a north London derby that could have massive connotations come the end of the season.
Spurs currently sit four points above Arsenal in the table, and could put a considerable dent in their rivals hopes to make the Champions League with a win on Saturday.
Three days later, Tottenham travel to Turin for the first leg of their mouthwatering Champions League tie against Juventus.
Does Pochettino hold back a few key players ahead of the Italian job, or does he go for broke and pick his strongest possible XI for both matches.
Football Insider names the likely Tottenham starting XI against Arsenal, which includes nine changes from the team that beat Newport.
Click below to see who is expected to start in goal and defence