Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal: Combined XI for 2015/16
The North London derby is one of the most hotly-contested affairs of the season, and with recent seasons providing some absolute humdingers, its only natural to expect the same to occur come Saturday. What makes this particular edition far tastier is that Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal face off in one the most pivotal clashes of the season that could decide the outcome of the title race.The two sides both suffered 1-0 defeats coming into the game, but the reaction from both sets of supporters could not have been more contrasting, with many labelling Arsenals title challenge to be on its last legs. The Gunners trail their hated rivals by 3 points, and will be keen on reversing a downward trend of results.Spurs, meanwhile, are quietly becoming Leicester City's main title rivals, and will need the three points so as to not lose ground on the league leaders.Formation: 4-2-3-1
#1 Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris vs David Ospina
As Arsenal’s Premier League campaign was crumbling before their eyes as Petr Cech went up for a corner against Swansea, the Emirates faithful had their hearts in the mouth when the Czech shot-stopper pulled up when sprinting back towards goal. Petr Cech was immediately ruled out for this game and faces four weeks on the sidelines, which will make a huge difference to Arsenal’s season as well as this combined eleven.
Cech had 12 clean sheets this season and was likely to have been the pick here, although Lloris wasn’t too bad of a shout as well. The Frenchman has 9 clean sheets out of 27 games in the Premier League, having conceded a paltry 21 goals this season while making 50 saves in total to average 2.63 saves per goal.
The Frenchman’s leadership qualities and decision-making ability have settled the Spurs defence, with Lloris overseeing a defensive platform that has allowed Tottenham to mount a title challenge. His opposite number on Saturday, David Ospina won’t even have played a single Premier League minute this season, with his only appearances coming in cup competitions.
Ospina infamously bundled the ball into his own net from a cross in a Champions League encounter this season and hasn’t provided much competition to Cech. As such, Hugo Lloris is a clear an easy pick.
Winner: Hugo Lloris