Paul Merson picks his best XI from Tottenham and Arsenal's squads
Wednesday 23 September 2015 19:45, UK
Paul Merson has revealed which Spurs players would make it into his Tottenham-Arsenal combined line-up ahead of their Capital One Cup clash.
The Soccer Saturday pundit has picked eight Arsenal players in his line-up but urged Arsene Wenger to take their north London rivals seriously, having seen his former club suffer defeats to Dinamo Zagreb and Chelsea in the last week.
He told Sky Sports: "It doesn't get any bigger than Wednesday night, despite the competition, and I hope Wenger treats it that way - if Arsenal lose this game then he's under a bit of pressure.
"It really is a very big match and what Charlie and Thommo did in the draw has really given a boost to the Capital One Cup."
Merson is also keen to stress that Spurs players command would command key roles in his side.
"The Tottenham players are through the spine, which is where I've always said Arsenal have struggled," he added.
"I don't think Kane is one-season wonder at all, he's another top player and if you offered me him for Giroud or Walcott I'd take him for sure.
"If you're a centre-forward you're only as good as those around you and that Tottenham midfield is not that good. At Arsenal he'd get 20-plus goals again this season for sure."
Merson also admits that a couple of other Spurs men were close to sneaking in, while Alexis Sanchez has done little of late to justify his selection.
"This team is on what they can do, not on form as Sanchez wouldn't make it in otherwise as he's done nothing this season," he said.
"It's a close one between Cech and Lloris but Lloris is seriously top draw, I'd definitely have him in the world class category.
"It was a toss up as to whether Vertonghen gets in but Koscielny has delivered for a number of seasons now and I really like Alderweireld.
"Ramsey hasn't scored in ages, I think it's over 10 games now, but does score big goals in big football matches so he gets the nod ahead for Christian Eriksen.
"I'm a big fan of Eriksen but he has disappointed me towards the end of last season and obviously he's not really been playing this season.
"[Heung-Min] Son is the one that is in good form and I like him, he looks a decent player and has hit the ground running."
Merson predicts: 1-1 draw and Arsenal to qualify in extra-time (11/1 with Sky Bet)
