Conte needs to gamble and hand Richarlison a North London derby start

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One of the crucial decisions Antonio Conte is facing ahead of the North London derby is who starts up front for Tottenham – and Richarlison is one who is definitely in the mix for the game.

Richarlison has had to bide his time since his switch to Spurs. But ahead of the international break, the Brazilian was able to force his way into the plans. A brace in the Champions League win over Marseille helped the former Everton star overtake Son Heung-min.

Son, of course, started the campaign in really disappointing fashion. And it ultimately appeared that Conte was doing the South Korean a favour by taking him out of the side for the clash with Leicester just before the break.

Any hopes of Richarlison enjoyed a lengthy run in the starting lineup however, were largely dashed when Son came on and scored a stunning hat-trick against the Foxes. And he has carried on that form for his country.

It would be a brave call to leave Son on the bench against the Gunners. But perhaps there are a few reasons why Conte should gamble and indeed start Richarlison at the Emirates.

Conte needs to hand Richarlison start in North London derby

Firstly, the old adage of if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it rings true here.

Spurs scored six against Leicester by starting with Harry Kane, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, and then having Son come on later.

Richarlison has also done little wrong since coming in. So it would be a harsh call to drop him so soon off the back of Son’s hat-trick.

Richarlison is also the kind of player who will relish the stage of the North London derby. That is not to say Son would not. But the 25-year-old will be dreaming of taking on the crowd jeers and then silencing them with a moment of magic.

Certainly, if Spurs are going to force Arsenal fans to get onto the backs of their players, they need the disruptive members of their squad to get stuck in. And Richarlison is definitely one who can get an entire crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.

Reports claimed Arsenal wanted Richarlison in the summer. And he is a player Gabriel Jesus described as ‘amazing’ following his move to Tottenham.

In fairness, there is every chance Son starts and absolutely blows the Gunners away. But few players thrive on enemy territory like Richarlison.

So perhaps Conte should ensure that he is able to take centre-stage on Saturday.