Arsenal – Tottenham Combined XI: Striker The Weak Link But Midfield Is World Class

Tottenham welcome fierce rivals Arsenal to White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon for a crucial North London Derby, and to mark the occasion we’ve put together our combined starting eleven:

Goalkeeper: Lloris

The Frenchman has been outstanding since replacing Brad Freidel between the sticks. While Szczesny is a talent, he’s been prone to the odd error this season so Lloris takes the gloves.

Right-back: Sagna

Sagna hasn’t been on top form this season and seems to have taken his time to overcome his injury problems but he’s still one of the best full-backs around and is more of a complete player than young Walker.

Centre-back: Dawson

The Englishman has been a rock at the back since forcing his way into AVB’s plans. Alternatives include Mertesacker, Kaboul or Koscielny but we think Dawson’s steady form edges them out.

Centre-back: Vertonghen

Has been an excellent signing for Spurs and gets the nod over his compatriot Vermaelen, who has been well below par this season at the Emirates.

Left-back: Gibbs

Gibbs has made huge strides this season and became one of Arsenal’s most important players before picking up his latest injury. Ekotto is steady and Monreal has shown potential since his move from Malaga, but Gibbsy takes the shirt.

Midfield: Sandro

One of Tottenham’s most consistent players this season before his injury and has proven to be one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders. Would provide the perfect protection for…..

Midfield: Wilshere

No surprises, Wilshere is Arsenal’s heart-beat and even Spurs fans must admire his quality.

Attacking-midfield right: Walcott

Seems to have grown as a player this season and has bagged an impressive 18 goals in all competitions as well as a hat-full of assists. Far more productive in the final third than Lennon, so gets the nod.

Attacking-midfield centre: Cazorla

The little Spaniard has been a revelation this season. Craft, guile, two feet, goals, assists, this lad has the lot.

Attacking-midfield Left: Bale

Player of the year? Perhaps, but there’s no doubt he’d make this starting eleven and he’d arguably walk into any team on the planet right now.

Striker: Giroud

The weak link in the team. Neither Arsenal or Spurs have a truly ‘world class’ striker to offer. You could make arguments for Defoe, Adebayor and even Podolski as the striker but we’ve gone simply on goals and assists here. 14 goals and 10 assists isn’t a bad return for your first season in the Premier League and while Giroud may not be the most glamorous striker, he’ll always put in a good shift and chips in with goals/assists too. The same can’t always be said of Defoe or Adebayor, although Defoe with his 14 goals and 5 assists pushed him close.

Here’s how the team looks on paper:

So that’s our combined team. Defence looks OK, the midfield and attacking midfield area is world class but the striker lets the team down. Throw RVP in there and this lot would win the league.

What do you think of our team? Who would be your combined eleven? Leave your suggestions in the comments section below.