Three things Tottenham Hotspur fans will expect from the North London derby
Tottenham Hotspur supporters will be cautiously optimistic ahead of their team’s clash with Arsenal, with visible changes expected as Igor Tudor takes his seat in the dugout for the North London Derby.
Tottenham Hotspur return to action next Sunday with a fixture which is huge for four reasons, one of which is that it is a local deby.
It is also a massive game because Spurs are only five points clear and worse still, Arsenal are in prime position to win the Premier League, increasing the match’s importance.
Fourthly, the upcoming North London derby is the first chance Spurs fans have to witness Igor Tudor and to get to grips with what he is all about.
Here are three things they will expect from what is surely one of the biggest games of the season for both clubs.
Igor Tudor should show a clear style and formation
Tottenham fans may already have some pre-conceived ideas about the way Tudor operates based on his time in Italy.
However, there is always a chance the manager examines the Tottenham first-team squad and decides a few tweaks need to be made which differ from his typical style of play.
One week is not long to implement a whole new system and so it will be interesting to see whether Tudor comes in all guns blazing, or whether he brings change gradually each week.
Many Spurs fans will be anticipating a 3-4-2-1 formation which enables aggressive and direct football, but all will be revealed soon enough.
Tottenham should play with more fight vs Arsenal
Spurs have been woeful in recent weeks and a lack of quality is one big issue, but this is not the sole problem.
Thomas Frank’s team simply did not look all that bothered on a number of occasions. It was clear the Dane’s words did little to inspire his players and that was reflected by their performances.
The pressure is really on now and with a new manager who takes no nonsense, Tottenham should be fired up and ready to do whatever it takes to get a result on Sunday.
Perhaps it has felt like there has been nothing to play in the Premier League over the past couple of months. However, the stakes have been raised as relegation becomes a possibility. This demands a response from the team and the sooner we see it, the better.
Two Spurs players could return for Tudor’s opening game
Tottenham have experienced no luck where injuries are concerned this season, but there could be some light at the end of the tunnel with two upcoming returns.
While there are no guarantees, Pedro Porro and Richarlison could both be back for the North London derby, in which case they would most likely begin the match on the bench.
Porro could become a key player under Tudor if he opts to play with wing-backs and Richarlison will have a point to prove after some strong displays from Dominic Solanke.
READ MORE – Predicting Tottenham’s final 12 fixtures: Will it be enough for Premier League survival?
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