Premier League log-leaders Arsenal and London rivals Tottenham Hotspur will clash in a blockbuster battle at Anfield on Saturday.
The Gunners currently top the standings, just one point ahead of Manchester City and Spurs, both of whom remain the only two unbeaten sides in the season so far.
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Below we look at the players who could be the potential game-changers in the London derby.
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Gabriel Jesus
The 25-year-old Brazilian has been at the centre of Arsenal’s resurgence this season, spearheading the team’s much-improved attacking threats.
Among the crucial factors that led to Arsenal missing out on Champions League football was their lack of a natural goal-scoring forward, but Jesus has quickly stepped in to provide that missing link up front.
Perhaps the most important trait Jesus boasts is his work-rate, with the Gunners’ newcomer having also already scored four goals in a creative role well supported by the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Jesus may have been left out of Brazil’s latest squad, but he will have a big point to prove as a key player who could have a decisive impact on Saturday’s result.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane enjoyed the perfect preparation for the North London Derby on Monday night as he scored a well-taken penalty as England claimed a draw against Germany.
Kane has scored six goals in seven games so far this season, despite not having looked at his best. However, his performance for England served as a reminder of his ever-improving form, while he possesses an impressive record in high-profile matches against Arsenal.
Tottenham’s all-time Premier League goalscorer has scored 13 goals in the North London Derby in 15 outings, with a remarkable six of those coming from the penalty spot.
With Spurs likely to adopt a counter-attacking approach on Saturday, Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski will all offer real threats up front. Only Manchester City have scored more goals than Spurs up to now, and it would be a good bet to expect Kane to add his name to the goal-scorers sheet on Saturday.
Aaron Ramsdale
Considering the firepower that Spurs do offer up front, it stands to reason that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale could have a game-changing role to play this weekend.
Ramsdale enjoyed a superb maiden campaign at Arsenal after joining from Sheffield United last season, making 37 appearances and keeping 14 clean sheets.
The 24-year-old has hit the ground running at the start of the new season, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just seven goals in seven top-flight outings.
Despite his impressive form for Arsenal, Ramsdale didn’t feature for England in their last two games, and so he will also want to produce a statement performance against Spurs.
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