Michael Cox talks us through the tactics and the key players who can have the biggest impact on the outcome of this match, as well as looking for some value bets.
Arsenal will go to the top of the table with a win in the North London derby, but their home record so far this season has been patchy.
Tottenham will have to do without their first-choice holding midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who is out of action until 2011 with an ankle injury. Harry Redknapp has three potential replacements - Wilson Palacios, Sandro and Jermaine Jenas, all offering a slightly different option in that position.
Palacios is the most defensive-minded option but appears to have gone off the boil in recent months, Sandro is still adjusting to Premier League football, whilst Jenas is not really a holding player. Whoever gets the nod will be charged with dealing with Arsenal's most creative force, Cesc Fabregas, so this will probably be Harry Redknapp's key decision.
I'll be keeping an eye on the 'shown a card' market with regard to whichever player starts there, though I wouldn't go for anything under [2.8]. A better bet might be Luka Modric, who does more defensive work in a deeper-lying position these days, and with Arsenal dominating the ball and Huddlestone out, he'll have to get some tackles in. With three bookings in his last five games, [5.5] or better is a good bet for him to be shown a card.
Continued:
http://www.betfair.net/blog/soccer/the-big-match-tactical-view-ar-191110.html
Arsenal will go to the top of the table with a win in the North London derby, but their home record so far this season has been patchy.
Tottenham will have to do without their first-choice holding midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who is out of action until 2011 with an ankle injury. Harry Redknapp has three potential replacements - Wilson Palacios, Sandro and Jermaine Jenas, all offering a slightly different option in that position.
Palacios is the most defensive-minded option but appears to have gone off the boil in recent months, Sandro is still adjusting to Premier League football, whilst Jenas is not really a holding player. Whoever gets the nod will be charged with dealing with Arsenal's most creative force, Cesc Fabregas, so this will probably be Harry Redknapp's key decision.
I'll be keeping an eye on the 'shown a card' market with regard to whichever player starts there, though I wouldn't go for anything under [2.8]. A better bet might be Luka Modric, who does more defensive work in a deeper-lying position these days, and with Arsenal dominating the ball and Huddlestone out, he'll have to get some tackles in. With three bookings in his last five games, [5.5] or better is a good bet for him to be shown a card.
Continued:
http://www.betfair.net/blog/soccer/the-big-match-tactical-view-ar-191110.html
