'Hell of a trap to fall into': Ange Postecoglou tells Spurs there's something they must avoid v Arsenal
The September international break is finally in the past and Tottenham Hotspur can get back to business in arguably the biggest fixture in their calendar....
The September international break is finally in the past and Tottenham Hotspur can get back to business in arguably the biggest fixture in their calendar.
The North London derby awaits Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs on Sunday as Arsenal come to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a 2pm kick-off.
Tottenham are fairly well placed with regards to squad availability, with Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke set to return to action after missing out last time out.
Admittedly, Yves Bissouma remains a doubt for the meeting with the Gunners, but the visitors are in a particularly bad state personnel-wise.
Mikel Merino and Declan Rice are definitely out, while Martin Odegaard is a serious doubt after he picked up an injury on Norway duty.
Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Jesus are also doubts, though it looks as though they’re more likely to be available than not.
Despite all this, Postecoglou has made it clear that Tottenham must not fall into a “hell of a trap” caused by Arsenal’s personnel situation.
Ange Postecoglou warns Tottenham against complacency
Postecoglou said Spurs must not get complacent and think that Arsenal will be severely weakened by Rice and Odegaard being missing.
“God, that’s a hell of a trap to fall into, if you think they [Arsenal] are reliant on two players”, Postecoglou told the Evening Standard.
“Two important players, but we were missing key players last year as well and we still managed to give significant performances.
“A team like Arsenal have been very, very consistent over the last two years and can fill whatever gaps they have.
“They have quality in their squad. The key for us is to focus on our performance.
“When we’ve played well – and we certainly have played well in the first three games – [if we are] a little more clear-headed in both boxes, we’re a match for any team.”
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou’s message to Djed Spence after Tottenham Europa League squad snub
Which Arsenal players could Tottenham be up against?
Jorginho is likely to come in for the suspended Rice, while Odegaard’s replacement is a little less clear.
There’s a good chance Kai Havertz will be shifted from No. 9 to No. 10, with either Leandro Trossard or Jesus – if fit – leading the Arsenal line.
Predicted Arsenal starting XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Havertz, Jorginho, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
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