Paul Merson urges Mikel Arteta to start ‘fantastic’ player for Arsenal vs Tottenham in North London Derby

Add as preferred source on Google

The second North London Derby of the season is upon us and it is a massive game for both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners have had a very difficult week. Mikel Arteta’s men suffered a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup before getting knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have had a much more positive week, having beaten Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and qualified for the next round of the FA Cup.

That should give Spurs some confidence heading into the North London Derby, but Arsenal will not back down in this fixture.

Paul Merson says Raheem Sterling should start for Arsenal vs Tottenham

Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day last summer.

The Englishman is one of the most accomplished players in the Premier League, but he has struggled since leaving Manchester City.

Many people were hoping that Arteta would bring the best out of Sterling again, but the attacker hasn’t had too many opportunities this season.

Sterling, hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Oliver Glasner, has started just five games in all competitions. He has played a total of 506 minutes of football, which is not enough.

Now, with Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and even Gabriel Jesus out injured, there is a chance for the Chelsea loanee to step up, and Merson wants to see him start against Tottenham.

He told Sportskeeda: “Raheem Sterling did alright when he came on the other day (against Manchester United). It doesn’t help that Ethan Nwaneri also got injured.

“So, I would play Sterling at right-wing against Tottenham.”

READ MORE: Arsenal’s top 10 North London Derby moments against Tottenham Hotspur

Raheem Sterling’s record against Tottenham is actually impressive

Sterling has not been at his best for over a year now, but that does not mean he is a bad player.

The England international has tons of experience in the Premier League under his belt, and he has the quality to hurt almost every team on the planet on his day, including Tottenham – he has done that on many occasions in the past.

13 direct goal contributions in 25 appearances is an impressive record – Sterling averages a goal or an assist every other game against Tottenham.

That gives Arteta all the more reason to start the 30-year-old when Spurs come to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.