1: Christian Eriksen vs. Francis Coquelin Christian Eriksen has stepped up when Spurs have needed him this season Preventing Christian Erik...
1: Christian Eriksen vs. Francis Coquelin
Christian Eriksen has stepped up when Spurs have needed him this season Preventing Christian Eriksen from having an impact on the game will be Arsene Wenger’s top priority.The 22-year-old Dane’s last-gasp salvos have been a key theme of Tottenham’s campaign, scoring decisive goals in the 88th minute or later on four occasions and netting 11 times in total.
The responsibility of keeping track of Spurs’ playmaker is likely to fall on the shoulders of Frenchman Francis Coquelin, who has established himself as Wenger’s first-choice defensive midfielder in recent weeks.
While he’s certainly impressed since being handed his chance, Coquelin is set to face a 90-minute test to prove he is the real deal.
Eriksen has proven himself as a man for the big occasion for Spurs, and limiting his influence will go a long way to stopping them.
2: Mousa Dembele vs. Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla was Arsenal's chief architect in hammering Aston Villa last weekend With Mousa Dembele regaining his place in Pochettino’s XI after a string of impressive displays and Santi Cazorla being back to his creative best, both players head into the game on the back of an upturn in form of late.Taking a grip on the game from their central roles will be their objectives, with the ultimate winner being the player who can provide the greatest supply to their side’s attacking talents.
Dembele was able to provide two assists from advanced positions against West Bromwich Albion, while Cazorla also set up two and netted his sixth goal of the season against Aston Villa.
The Belgium midfielder commands superior physical attributes but, having failed to net in his last 42 appearances for Spurs, is far less of a goal threat.
3: Harry Kane vs. Laurent Koscielny
Kane has been one of the biggest revelations in world football this season, going from squad player to the Premier League's leading scorer across all competitions with 20 goals.While early impressions were made in the Europa League and the Capital One Cup, he has since proved he can produce on the big stage, most notably having a hand in four goals in the New Year’s Day’s 5-3 victory over other rivals Chelsea.
Koscielny and Mertesacker will share the duties of marking Spurs’ lone striker, but the 21-year-old, who prefers to receive the ball to feet due to his limited pace, will look to impose his physicality on the Frenchman.
Given Kane’s form in front of goal, the agile Koscielny’s job will be to intercept supply and limit shooting opportunities.
