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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Three big Tottenham decisions facing Thomas Frank for Arsenal showdown

Tottenham face the toughest test of the Thomas Frank era so far when they play Arsenal on Sunday.

The north London derby comes with the Gunners four points clear at the top of the Premier League and looking for a fourth straight win over Spurs.

Frank's side do have the best away record in the league, are yet to be beaten on the road and recorded a statement win over Manchester City at the Etihad in August.

The Spurs boss has been keen to tweak from match to match, at times perhaps too much. The criticism has been that Frank has focused on nullifying the opposition more than maximising Spurs' strengths.

With that in mind, here are three key selection dilemmas for Frank to consider for the trip to Arsenal...

Udogie vs Spence

Spurs' most fluent, balanced attacking displays this season have come with Destiny Udogie at left-back.

He played a key role in Spurs cruising past Copenhagen before the international break, combining really well with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons.

That trio also impressed against Leeds in October. As a left footer, Udogie brings more natural width and an overlapping option, creating the space inside.

Destiny Udogie is vying for the left-back spot with Djed Spence (Getty Images)

His introduction against Manchester United helped spark Spurs into life and should have earned them a comeback win.

There is no doubting he offers more than Spence in attack, but the question in a game like this one is defensively.

Spence is superb one-on-one and that will be key against Bukayo Saka, who Arsenal will try to find as often as possible.

This is not a game where Udogie can fly up and down the wing at will. For all he has shown enough to start the majority of matches, this feels like a game for Spence.

Johnson vs Odobert

Brennan Johnson has been far from a regular starter this season but he still has four goals to his name.

Last season's top scorer has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and there is probably no player Spurs would rather have running through on goal.

There is no doubting his clinical touch in front of goal, but the debate is whether he then contributes enough overall.

Wilson Odobert or Brennan Johnson are likely to start on the left (AFP via Getty Images)

Wilson Odobert is much more of a threat with the ball at his feet and more likely to make something happen out of nothing.

He is more direct in taking on his man and he passes the eye test more than Johnson. The Frenchman, though, has scored only once this season.

Assuming Mohammed Kudus is fit to start on the right, Frank's decision on the left will likely come down to Johnson or Odobert, unless he switches to a back five.

Odobert has been dangerous in recent matches and deserves another run in team.

Tel vs Richarlison

Frank will be without Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani against Arsenal.

There is the possibility of a move to the 3-5-2 system used against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, which would likely see Kudus used centrally.

Richarlison is pushing to start up front ahead of Mathys Tel (Getty Images)

Even if that is the case, it is still probable that only one of Richarlison and Mathys Tel start.

On current evidence, it is Tel who should be getting the minutes up front, even if he could find it tough physically against Arsenal's centre-backs.

Richarlison started the season in strong form but has tailed off badly. He has looked tired and unconvincing in front of goal, and has too often been keen to go to ground rather than holding the ball up as the team need.

Tel's strength is not providing that focal point but he would offer much more energy. He also a more natural relationship with Odobert, potentially rotating out wide with him.

Tel scored a lovely goal off the bench against Manchester United before the international break and has since been on the scoresheet again for France Under-21s. His confidence should be high.

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