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It's a derby triple in the Premier League this weekend but Football FanCast's attention is firmly fixed on the North London clash. Tottenham and Arsenal rarely disappoint for goals and drama and to make this particular encounter even juicier, the two rivals are currently separated by just three points in the Premier League table. We take a closer look at the tactical factors that will decide Sunday's game...
The Key Battle - Shkodran Mustafi vs Harry Kane
It's been an underwhelming start to the season for Harry Kane but the Tottenham striker produced something close to his best form against Chelsea last weekend. Granted, the audacious long-range strike contained an element of luck but the England skipper's centre-forward play throughout the match was fantastic; recording either the most or the joint-most aerial duels won, fouls won and dribbles of any player on the pitch. Combine that with a phenomenal record against Arsenal - seven goals in eight appearances - and Gunners fan have every right to be concerned heading into the weekend.
Even more so considering, in terms of physicality, it will be up to Shkodran Mustafi to compete with Kane. The German international has his moments of brilliance but they're always juxtaposed by cumbersome errors and poor positioning: he's become a real source of frustration for Arsenal supporters over the last few seasons. If he's to cancel out Kane this weekend, the former Valencia man will need to be at his absolute best.
The Key Dynamic - High Press vs Possession Football
Tottenham mauled Chelsea last time out in the Premier League and while there are obvious differences for Sunday's game - home advantage is now in Arsenal's favour and the Gunners don't have a deep-lying Jorginho type figure they're dependent on to orchestrate play - it's likely Spurs will take a similar game-plan to the Emirates Stadium, one where they press high to try and keep the ball in the hosts' own third as much as possible.
It's a nightmare for a team like Arsenal who like to dominate possession, knowing Tottenham are set up to create turnovers in dangerous areas, but the Gunners are probably better equipped to handle it than they were under Arsene Wenger.
Emery has made the side a little more varied and direct, and the ability to change up will be instrumental in beating Tottenham's press. In fact, if Arsenal can force Spurs to over-commit then they should find plenty of space to make a few problems at the other end.
The Deciding Factor - Can Tottenham capitalise on Arsenal's stodgy starts?
In light of Arsenal's unbeaten run in the Premier League, which now spans eleven games, it's quite incredible that they're yet to lead a top flight game at half time under Emery. In many ways, it's testament to how shrewd a tactician the Spaniard is, effectively using substitutes to change games in Arsenal's favour.
At the same time though, it does leave Arsenal susceptible to an early onslaught, and the onus is really on Tottenham to take advantage of that. They scored twice within the first 16 minutes against Chelsea last weekend and have been good value in first halves this season, the opening 45 minutes responsible for 12 of their 23 Premier League goals. It's imperative Spurs maintain the trend on Sunday, to put Arsenal on the back foot as quickly as possible.
That being said, Arsenal will have faith in coming back into the match, regardless of the scoreline, and ending it strongly. Tottenham will need to be wary of that as the final whistle approaches, especially when Emery begins to introduce substitutes.
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The Impact Subs - Aaron Ramsey vs Erik Lamela
Before this weekend's action only Eden Hazard had assisted more substitute goals than Aaron Ramsey this season, whereas Erik Lamela's goalscoring return from the bench was only surpassed by team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. With both expected to be substitutes again this weekend, they should be the first players Emery and Pochettino respectively turn to if they need an extra dose of attacking impetus in search of a late win.
Lamela's overall form this term has probably been better than Ramsey's; due to his expiring contract, it appears the Welshman's cameo outings this season are an effort to phase him out of the team more than anything else. The Argentine, on the other hand, is Tottenham's second-top scorer in the Premier League and has become an increasingly valuable member of Pochettino's squad over the last year or so. He also gives Tottenham's midfield something a little different - the ability to turn players in central areas.