Arsenal have lost their last two games and are trying to avoid a third in tomorrow’s Capital One Cup game against Tottenham at White Hart Lane, but, conversely, Spurs have won their last three and are keen to keep their run going. Maurice Ponchettino’s men reached the League Cup semi-final last season so they are sure to be keen to go one step further this time, and Jan Vertonghen is quite confident going into this North London Derby.
The Dutch defender said in the Mail: ‘In the league we have City, Swansea and Liverpool coming for us. So it was very important to win (against Crystal Palace on Sunday).
‘And in the Europa League we want to involve all the players. We have a big squad and it was very important to win to go to Arsenal on Wednesday.
‘I don’t know who’s going to play (against Arsenal) but whoever does, everyone knows how important those games are for us and for the fans. We will play a strong team, I guess, and hopefully get the same result.
‘I think I lost only once or twice (to Arsenal) and I’ve won a couple so my record (against them is) not too bad.’
Having said that, Vertonghen is not sure if he will be featured in the squad tomorrow. ‘I want to play every game because I like to play football (but) sometimes it’s better for me to rest. I think it’s good that the medical staff and technical staff make that decision for you.” he continued. ‘You can still be fresh in March or April that way.’
Other than the runs both sides are on, there will definitely be changes from both sides, with Arsenal facing a difficult trip to Leicester next while Tottenham have an even bigger test against Man City. The question is; which team has the better reserves?