Christian Eriksen vs. Mesut Ozil
This might be the most talented match-up on the pitch Saturday. Tottenham star Christian Eriksen has been in an outstanding run of form for Spurs as of late and Ozil has put up some amazing performances for the Gunners. If either side gains a significant advantage at the number 10 position, it will greatly enhance their chances of taking home all three points.
Eriksen started the season a little slow, but finds himself in the best form of his season at the current moment. His ability to move the ball all around the pitch really makes the Spurs offense tick. Arsenal also needs to make sure they don’t give him any opportunity to trouble Ospina from a free kick in a dangerous position. He can beat even the best of keepers from distance.
Tottenham need to have the same concerns about Ozil. He is an exceptional passer of the ball, and if he’s given time and space he can rip you apart. As concerned as the Spurs defense needs to be about Sanchez going forward, it also needs to be sure not to give Ozil any time on the ball. Let him dwell on it even for a moment, and you could be picking the ball out of the back of your net soon afterwards.
This might also be the toughest match-up to call. On the whole of the season, Ozil has been better. He’s also had some outstanding matches as of late. The trouble is, he’s been wildly inconsistent over the past several matches. He’s played a great game and followed it up immediately with a nightmare. That inconsistency is just enough to make me favor the Dane given his consistent great play as of late.
Advantage: Tottenham
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