Sandro has named four Tottenham Hotspur players who could step up in the North London derby for the Lilywhites.
The build-up to the derby is in full swing, and with the clash now just hours away, the nerves are starting to build for Spurs fans.
Tottenham have a woeful record at the Emirates, but that is something that the current team may believe they can put right, given their formidable record away from home this season.
Thomas Frank has admitted that he is ‘super excited’ for his first taste of the North London derby, revealing that he is aware of what this game means to the supporters.
Sandro backs four Tottenham players to show fight against Arsenal
Sandro starred in several North London derbies, and the Brazilian was certainly not short of a fight. In fact, it was his heart, passion and mentality that made him a fan favourite at Tottenham.
The 36-year-old believes that the current Spurs team is not short of characters who can stand their ground, naming Joao Palhinha, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence as players who could have a big impact at the Emirates.
When asked what his message is to the Spurs players ahead of the derby, Sandro told The Sun: “It’s to fight. To fight is the only way – we have to go there and fight. Because against Arsenal, if we slip even just a bit, we are done.
“We have to fight, and we have the players to do that and give it their all. We have players who can fight. Palhinha in the middle, van de Ven, Romero, Spence, they love to fight. We are not scared of Arsenal.”
Sandro believes Spurs can close the gap with Arsenal
While the Gunners are many people’s favourites for the Premier League title, Tottenham are considered outsiders for a top-four finish.
However, Sandro insists that the gap between the two North London sides is not as big as it may appear, suggesting that Frank can bridge that gap this season.
He added: “I think we are improving. I think we are improving and Arsenal is already there at that level. I think the work that Arteta is doing, we have to give time for Thomas Frank to do. This is so new for Tottenham. The players are the same, but we are improving.
“We won a trophy, okay, we didn’t play well. But now, can we keep the players, and can we improve the level of the football? I think Arsenal are one step ahead of us is all, but the gap is not massive. It’s getting smaller.”