Harry Redknapp thinks one Arsenal player could ‘run riot’ vs Tottenham in North London Derby

Add as preferred source on Google

Harry Redknapp feels one Arsenal player could ‘run riot’ against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Today’s North London Derby is arguably both side’s biggest game of the season so far.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be aiming to land a huge blow on Arsenal’s title hopes while also keeping their top-four hopes alive with a victory.

Tottenham haven’t played for the past two weeks following a 4-0 defeat at Newcastle while the Gunners have been busy.

Mikel Arteta’s men picked up a 2-0 win at Molineux last weekend before thrashing Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates on Tuesday evening.

It’s fair to say that Arsenal head into the clash with the greater momentum of the two sides.

Arteta will also have a near full-strength squad to pick from, with Jurrien Timber currently the only doubt.

The same cannot be said for Spurs as they will be without Destiny Udogie and Harry Redknapp feels Bukayo Saka could benefit from the Italian’s absence.

Redknapp on Bukayo Saka vs Tottenham

Speaking to The Sun, the former Tottenham boss raised concerns about Udogie’s absence. 

Spurs confirmed just last weekend that the 21-year-old will miss the remainder of the season following an injury to his left quadriceps.

“It’s a massive game at the best of times — I know that better than most — and the smallest details can make the biggest difference,” Redknapp said.

“And for Spurs that means how they cope without the injured Destiny Udogie, who might not get the headlines but has been outstanding.

“His pace would have been vital against Bukayo Saka, who can destroy you, and Postecoglou’s got a big job on now Udogie’s missing, for sure.

“Ben Davies will probably come in at left-back but in my book Spurs have to block off that side, so who plays in front of him is the key.

“And it’s got to be someone defensively minded, too, because if they don’t double up on Saka he could run riot.”

Saka’s record against Tottenham

Saka boats a decent record against Spurs, having had a hand in four goals in eight north London derbies.

The 22-year-old netted from the penalty spot earlier this season as Postecoglou’s men picked up a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

On that day, Udogie recovered from a slightly shaky start to the game and dealt with the threat of Saka throughout the 90 minutes.

With Ben Davies likely to come in at left-back today, you’d imagine that Saka will fancy his chances against the Welshman.

Davies hasn’t exactly looked comfortable playing in that inverted role this term and it could be an area of the pitch that Arsenal target. The Gunners are also particularly strong on the right-hand side, with Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Saka forming a brilliant understanding down that flank.