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Tottenham vs. Arsenal positional breakdown: Who has the edge?

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Referee Martin Atkinson shows a yellow card to Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Referee Martin Atkinson shows a yellow card to Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur receives treatment for a head wound during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Boleyn Ground on March 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur receives treatment for a head wound during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Boleyn Ground on March 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Erik Lamela vs. Theo Walcott

This is a true wild card match-up for me. Neither side knows exactly what it’s going to get out of this position. Lamela could be the man of the match or a complete non-factor for Spurs, while Arsenal isn’t even certain who it should start between Joel Campbell and Theo Walcott.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Walcott is going to find his way into this match-up. I don’t care how awful he’s played as of late, I still think Wenger trusts him in the North London Derby more than the inexperienced Campbell. Walcott will try to use his exceptional pace to get in behind the Tottenham defense.

On the other hand, Tottenham is almost certainly going to start Lamela, but they can’t be sure what they will get out of their temperamental talent. He’ll run his socks off and won’t be afraid to put in a challenge (or ten), but he might not give you any actual production. Spurs also need to be concerned that he’ll struggle to finish 90 minutes due to his propensity to make reckless challenges.

This one is very much a grab bag. If either side gets a goal or assist from this position, it will put them in a great position to win the match. It’ll also leave the majority of their fan base pretty surprised. Ultimately, Spurs get the nod here because Lamela will certainly contribute something defensively to their effort.

Advantage: Tottenham

Next: Striker

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