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Tottenham Hotspur host bitter rivals Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. A win for the Gunners would move them to within just one point of Spurs, and would compound the home side’s recent miseries, having had their title hopes all but ended by Chelsea last time out.

However, this is still a north London derby, and despite their recent disappointments Mauricio Pochettino’s side will still be desperate to beat their rivals.

On the chalkboard

Arsenal have been in decent form recently, but Unai Emery’s side are far from flawless. Going forward they have lots of quality but defensively they are fallible. Pochettino must send his side out to exploit their weak points, whilst also taking measures to fend off their attack.

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This match could easily come down to being a battle of the full-backs. Left-back Sead Kolasinac offers the Gunners lots of quality in the final third but lacks diligence and awareness defensively. Spurs can look to attack Arsenal on his flank in an effort to catch the 25-year-old out of position.

For both sides, taking advantage of the opposition full-backs could be the most effective route to goal.

Protecting their frailties

Pochettino must also recognise that his own side are weak defensively on the flanks. Kieran Trippier has been particularly error-prone recently and should probably be dropped for this match in favour of Serge Aurier.

Regardless of who starts for Spurs though, their midfield contingent must do more to protect and cover the wide defenders. The likes of Harry Winks, as long as he is fit, and Moussa Sissoko have the energy and mobility to fulfil this duty and so must be diligent, focused and deliver.