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PREVIEW OF THE DERBIES

 


The International Break Has Officially Ended. Club Football had returned.There is a lot to unpack from the 2 biggest fixtures this upcoming weekend.

NORTH LONDON DERBY

Combined XI

This will be the 192nd league meeting between the two giants. Spurs are looking to extend their unbeaten run and Arsenal are looking to end it. Giving a recipe for a great match.

Arterta's Baby Armies have been fantastic this season and the signings have settled in quickly with Gabby Jesus providing a great outlet to play through. Zinchenko removes most of the defensive burden from Granit Xhaka making the team better at defending transitions.(He should start when fit) Fabio Viera had a great display against Brentford but I don't expect him to start. 

Gabby Jesus celebrates against Brentford.

Arsenal Probable Starting XI



PLAYER TO WATCH : GABRIEL MARTINELLI

Martinelli celebrates after scoring against A.F.C Bournemouth.

The best LW in the league this season. He has been on great form and this game might be the perfect one to prove any doubters wrong. Wasn't at his best against Brentford but was unlucky to have his goal disallowed against Manchester United. I fully expect him to be a threat for the Spurs defence.

Spurs have not been at their world beating best but they have been getting the results. Richarlison has been in form lately. Yves Bissouma was decent against Leicester. Spence hasn't played a minute. Perisic has been the only standout signing.


SPURS PROBABLE STARTING XI:


PLAYER TO WATCH : HEUNG-MIN SON



All eyes are on Son after a fantastic display against Leicester, scoring a hat-trick in 13 minutes. He is no stranger to Arsenal, scoring on the previous fixture but this time he has the Ben White Test to deal with.

Arsenal have been a first half team so far,failing to control games in the second half and Spurs haven't been great in the first half but coming alive in the second half. This is a derby and I doubt these factors will matter but I think Arsenal will end Spurs unbeaten run. It will be close but with Arsenal have home advantage and the fact Spurs come alive in the second half tips the favour in Arsenal's side.

Score Prediction: 2-1


MANCHESTER DERBY 

Combined XI

There is all to play for in this season's Derby. City are planning to carry on their unbeaten run against their neighbours. Ten Hag's Boys are looking to add another victory against the Big Six since they are unbeaten against all big six opponents they have faced so far.

Man City have thrown shade on any doubt there was pre season about them with them being unbeaten and blowing teams off in the league. Erling Haaland looks tailor made for this team responding with 11 PL goals in 10 games.KDB is still showing every midfielder in the league levels and the return of Laporte will make the Cityzens much better than they are. City are pretty much looking like the finished article. 

PLAYER TO WATCH: ERLING HAALAND

Haaland celebrates after arriving in the league.

It's pretty obvious that it is the Norwegian. He has been unstoppable for the Cityzens and this is his first real test. Martinez had his number in the UCL last season and we all want to see his response.

CITY PROBABLE STARTING XI:


United on the other hand are still in phase 1 of the rebuilding process. The additions in the summer were good but they still need an open heart surgery as Ralf Rangnick said.

UNITED PROBABLE XI:


It's the way , United fans on Twitter are confindet about this one. Never has a game needed Ole Gunner Solksjaer back than this one. He always knew how to get a result against Pep Guardiola.

PLAYER TO WATCH: MARCUS RASHFORD 

Marcus Rashford holding his EPL POTM Award.

The Englishman has seen a return to form with him being responsible for all of United's points last month. Which cumulated in him winning Player Of The Month. He has been United's best attacker this season and if United do the unthinkable, he will be the reason.

MY UNITED XI TO BEAT CITY:


If United want to beat this city side, they should just go at them. Press them high like Newcastle did and attack them in the wide regions. Cancelo would be the obvious target one on one and Martial would be the aerial target for crosses. This is all impossible with De Gea in goal and that's why I am tipping City to win.

Man City have no glaring weaknesses but they are similar to Arsenal and United can hit them on the transition.Man City are different gravy and they will be a little too much for this United team.

Score Prediction: 3 - 1


WHO DO YOU SEE COMING OUT ON TOP ??


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