Premier League 2018-19: 3 key battles that could decide the Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur derby

#1 Mustafi/Holding vs Harry Kane/Dele Alli

Kane is Tottenham's marquee man.

In the previous game against Bournemouth, Unai Emery played a three-person defense with Sokratis in the center of the trio. However, he might revert to a back four as he did against Liverpool earlier in the season.

The Gunners' defensive problems have been prevalent since the days of Arsene Wenger. Despite buying some players in that position, the defense is still vulnerable against quality attacks. Emery has tried using the formula of playing from the back, which has sometimes resulted in the team's downfall.

Against the Spurs, the likes of Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi need to produce their absolute best. They would be up against Dele Alli and Harry Kane, who can disrupt the defensive shape of any opposition. The game against Chelsea was a testament to what these two can do when on song.

Kane has a knack of scoring against Arsenal, which would be a concern for Emery. He is a goal poacher and can score even from half chances.

If Emery wants a taste of victory in his first North London derby, then he needs his defense to be at its best.