Plausible Spurs XI graphic to face Arsenal; but will Ange pick Porro or Royal?
The Boy
Tottenham Hotspur's Brazilian defender Emerson Royal reacts after failing to score during the second leg of the English League Cup semi final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London on January 12, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
The North London derby is one of those unforgiving fixtures that are truly season-defining. Of course, Tottenham’s fate won’t be decided by just one game, but the message sent out from how you fare against a bitter enemy is significant and will affect the mood both inside and outside the club. A side that can beat Arsenal at the Emirates is one to be treated accordingly.
Postecoglou has certainly got the boys playing with a greater sense of purpose and in a more attacking style, but the real issue in this game getting the balance right between defence and attack, to which end I’ve opted to select Emerson Royal over Pedro Porro. Porro is a solid enough player and has been attractive in his attacking play, but defensively not as tight as Romero, Van de Ven, and Udogie.
Spurs need to win, and the best backline needs to be picked.
