Based on form, fitness and a desire to wind up supporters of both clubs before the north London derby on Sunday, here is a combined XI chosen from the two sides, taking into account who is currently fit and available. Be gentle. It wasn’t easy. I know the team is a bit light in central midfield. Maybe Petr Cech can go in goal for the second half. And yes, leaving out Igors Stepanovs and José Dominguez caused unimaginable pain. Enjoy.
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
Although Cech has been one of the finest goalkeepers in England for more than a decade, his Tottenham Hotspur counterpart just snatches the No1 spot because of his sweeper-keeper excellence. Lloris is as dependable as they come, too, and has kept six clean sheets this season.
Right-back: Héctor Bellerín
The young Spaniard has been a revelation since breaking into Arsenal’s first team, using his speed to dominate left-wingers and his ability on the ball to offer width in attack. Kyle Walker has improved in the past two years but he is not in the same class as Bellerín.
Centre-back: Laurent Koscielny
Mistakes are rare from the French centre-back, who is quick, strong, good in the air and a fine reader of the game. He also chips in with the odd goal and his experience makes him an obvious pick.
Centre-back: Jan Vertonghen
A key member of Tottenham’s formidable defence, the Belgian has maintained his high level despite the absence of his equally important international team-mate, Toby Alderweireld. Vertonghen can be caught out by speedy attackers but he makes up for it with mixture of steel and intelligence.
Left-back: Danny Rose
Consistently impressive, the left-back brings more energy to the position than Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs, his shackling of Riyad Mahrez in the draw with Leicester City last weekend providing more evidence of his class.
Central midfield: Francis Coquelin
Mousa Dembélé is the player who makes Tottenham tick but his injury opens up a spot for Coquelin, who has excelled in a screening role in the past 18 months.
Central midfield: Santi Cazorla
Likely to be available after recovering from an achilles problem, the Spaniard gives Arsenal fluency and poise in the middle. They suffered without him last season. His presence lifts them.
Right attacking midfield: Theo Walcott
A changed man after falling down the pecking order last season, the winger has made a superb start to the season. Unlike many of Tottenham’s attacking midfielders, Walcott provides a serious goal threat.
Attacking midfield: Dele Alli
The 20-year-old has shown no signs of falling prey to second-season syndrome, having established himself as a major Premier League talent last year. Alli offers creativity and more incision with his finishing than the commendable Alex Iwobi.
Left attacking midfield: Mesut Özil
While regular watchers of Tottenham have grumbled about Christian Eriksen’s poor form, Arsenal fans can have no complaints about Özil. The German assist machine has added goals to his game, producing a moment of genius against Ludogorets on Wednesday.
Centre-forward: Alexis Sánchez
The decision to select the Chilean up front is made easier by Harry Kane’s ankle injury. The Tottenham striker will have to settle for a place on the bench. Sánchez is hardly an underwhelming alternative, though, given that he has transformed Arsenal’s attack in his new central role.
Subs: Cech, Mustafi, Dier, Dembélé, Iwobi, Lamela, Kane, Giroud.
Manager
Arsène Wenger. Mauricio Pochettino is one of the most exciting managers in Europe but he is yet to finish above the Frenchman.
