Paul Merson believes that a fresh Harry Kane gives Tottenham a big advantage over Arsenal.

Arsenal meet Tottenham in the North London derby on Saturday.

Tottenham’s key man, Harry Kane, pulled out of England’s squad for the games against Germany and Brazil. Conveniently, he’ll now be fit and fresh for Saturday’s game.

Paul Merson feels that this will give Spurs a huge advantage during the game. “Big advantage, Tottenham, big advantage,” he said, as reported by HITC. “Harry Kane’s not going to play in the next two games, he is going to get fit. He is going to be ready for this game.

“He is probably going to be the freshest player on the pitch, so for me that is a massive advantage for them.” Kane has often proved decisive in games against Arsenal.

Since his breakthrough into the Tottenham team, the centre-forward has bagged six goals in six games against Arsenal. Spurs have won two of those games. Both of those victories came at White Hart Lane, with Kane scoring in both games.

He’s also picked up a habit of scoring at the Emirates Stadium. He’s scored there on each of his last two visits. So there is certainly something to what Merson is saying. A fit Harry Kane is a big problem for Arsenal.

The Gunners will be looking for their first league win over Spurs since 2014. The last time Arsenal beat Spurs in any game was in the League Cup in 2015.

Mathieu Flamini, of all people, scored twice to secure a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane. A win for Arsenal on Saturday would put them just a point behind Spurs in the table.