Spurs vs Arsenal | Ben's players to watch, Rob's tactical view

We're counting down to crunch time in the north London derby as we face Arsenal in the Premier League this afternoon (2pm UK) - here, Ben Haines, presenter of Inside Spurs, The Warm Up and Review Show and Club commentator Rob Daly take a closer look at our rivals from N5...

Ben's players to watch

"Two weeks since our last game - and I really missed watching Spurs last weekend (and that’s even though we had a real toughie last time out against Newcastle). Form in this game tends to mean absolutely nothing - but this time around it is going to play a part for somebody. Arsenal have lost just one of their last eight away games in the league, Spurs have lost just one home match in their last eight in the league - someone’s record is potentially about to take a bit of a dent. Win or lose, Spurs fans all over the world know how gruelling this 90 minutes of football is - all we can do, as always, is get right behind the team secure in the knowledge that the 11 or potentially 16 players that take to the field know what’s at stake and that they will do everything in their power to write their names into the history of this iconic fixture, to get the biggest win of the season for Spurs and to ensure bragging rights for the next six months for the fans .

"So, for my players to watch, this feels like a game that could be decided by two number 10s...

"For Arsenal, it’s Martin Odegaard. He’s so neat and tidy in possession, but when in dangerous areas has the ability to constantly play forward and look for the high tariff pass that leads to big opportunities. When they don’t come off maybe Arsenal lose possession or lose rhythm, but they are so good at regaining it and stifling out attacks that they provide a platform for his range of passing and almost allow him complete freedom in the final third. Last season he was the difference maker here and whoever starts in our two deeper midfield roles will have their work cut out ensuring that they keep him quiet. At the same time, it will be a huge afternoon for James Maddison on Sunday. He will be required to do a huge amount of work both going forward and defensively. We spoke a little on Inside Spurs about how the team will have to resist Arsenal in the early exchanges, but as the game gets stretched from about 60 minutes onwards there will be opportunities in-between the lines. As we saw from his performance at the Emirates earlier on in the season, if he can find pockets of space, Heung-Min Son's finishing is so clinical that it can be a difference maker. In games of this magnitude, some of the key attributes required are bravery, handling the atmosphere, the ability to withstand the pressure of big moments - Madders is someone that seems to thrive in these situations and has the ability to make the game his own on Sunday afternoon."

Rob's tactical view

"How Arsenal needed their last two wins after the Villa and Bayern defeats. Last weekend's victory at Wolves at least stabilised them, while the 5-0 success over Chelsea in midweek, you sense has reinstalled that belief they are worthy potential champions. Some things have changed since the September 2-2 draw between these sides. Kai Havertz is now proving to be a key performer and his numbers playing as the centre forward are undeniable - six goals and four assists in eight starts as the striker. Leandro Trossard meanwhile keeps scoring and only two players have more PL goals in 2024 than Bukayo Saka. Despite this, I feel Ben is right to highlight Martin Odegaard. It isn’t only his invention that is such a threat, but his sheer persistence right to the end of a game to make something happen. He’s also an outstanding presser of the ball and with Declan Rice behind him, it takes some work to break round the Arsenal press. But when you do, there will be openings. Bayern at the Emirates gave everyone a great example of that to create their two goals, including the way the penalty was won that Harry Kane scored.

"Losing Destiny Udogie is a big blow, but Ben Davies is such an experienced defender and will relish his battle against Saka. Whoever plays in central midfield needs to be bold and brave to take possession in tight areas, calm things down and make them happen too. James Maddison was superb at that in the 2-2 draw between the sides early in the season. Despite the loss of Udogie, Pedro Porro and Richarlison being available is huge. The Spurs bench will be strong and if Richarlison is fully fit I can see him starting at centre-forward with Son out on the left - we'll have to wait and see. Both teams are in good nick in terms of available players, so I can imagine strength from the bench will be vital too. Finally, what a game. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be rocking. I cannot wait."