Tottenham have played well for the most part in their opening three games of the season, but only have four points to show for their efforts.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s title hopes have already suffered a blow with a draw against Brighton, considering Manchester City and Liverpool have won all their games so far.
In addition, the Gunners will be without Mikel Merino and Declan Rice, while Martin Odegaard is a serious doubt for the game.
There’s a good chance Tottenham will go for a high line once again, especially considering Micky van de Ven is set to return to action.
Now, Spurs legend David Pleat has claimed that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and whoever plays on the other flank will have a tricky decision to make on Sunday.
Bukayo Saka will need to decide whether to track Tottenham full-back or ‘call their bluff’
Pleat, speaking to The Times, said both Gunners wingers will need to figure out whether to track the full-backs or “call their bluff” and hold the line.
The Tottenham icon didn’t predict who would win, but he hopes Spurs would win and feels Arsenal’s absences could end up separating the two sides.
“I hope Tottenham win, they are capable
of it,” said Pleat. “They could dominate the ball and we know their full-backs get forward.
“But will Bukayo Saka and the other winger track them? Or will they call their bluff and hold their position and make the full backs defend more?
“It will be a little game of bluff but the absences for Arsenal could be the difference.”
Micky van de Ven return key for Tottenham
Spurs’ high line has courted controversy, with some fans deeming it risky against some opponents and a surefire way to guarantee conceding at least once or twice a game.
This was certainly a poor decision against Newcastle, a game in which Micky van de Ven was missing.
His pace is absolutely crucial to ensure the high line doesn’t fall apart, so it’ll be interesting to see how Spurs do with him back in the fold.
There’s a good chance it will be a high-scoring game, but it really is difficult to call.
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