Conte, Tottenham have a big Saturday decision to make

It is a luxury he did not have last season; however, against first-place Arsenal, it is a decision he cannot afford to get wrong, so which three forwards does Conte start for Tottenham against the Gunners on Saturday?

Tottenham Hotspur plays the early afternoon contest on Saturday, as the Premier League returns from the international break. When Spurs walk out the tunnel at the Emirates, all eyes will be on the front three that Antonio Conte selects as Tottenham try to move to the top of the table.

Decision becoming more difficult for Conte, Tottenham

Before the Leicester City game, the decision seemed obvious. Heung-min Son had struggled thus far in the campaign, and let him sit for a bit could spark something. Of course, after his hat-trick heroics against the Foxes and two goals in as many games for South Korea, there is no doubt that Son is back on a tear.

A streaky player, who can get as hot as any player in the world, it would seem the idea of sitting Son again would be silly, but at the same time, everyone else is doing well too.

Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane, and Richarlison have all had moments where they put the team on their back and helped will Spurs to victory.

Deki was huge in the opener with a goal and an assist against Southampton, and his return to the starting line-up against Leicester City has rewarded the team well. Likewise, Richarlison has been a difference maker with two big assists in the league and two crucial goals in the Champions League. Then, of course, Kane has been steadily producing for Spurs with Six goals in seven games.

Which forward starts from the bench and why?

When looking at the situation, we know, barring an injury, Kane is starting, and after his explosion against Leicester, Son is going to start as well. With Son and Kane almost guaranteed to start, the decision is down to Kulusevski or Richarlison.

Both players bring some unique talents to the table, and both deserve an opportunity to start in Tottenham’s biggest game of the season. However, only one gets the nod with Son and Kane, and we believe Conte will go with Kulusevski.

Arguably, Richarlison is the hotter player, having scored three times and assisting once during the international break. However, Kulusevski presents the more significant challenge for Arsenal with his style and ability to cut in from the right onto his left foot.

Further, Richarlison’s versatility means he can substitute for whichever of the three forwards has the worst performance, whereas Deki is almost exclusively a right forward.

Ultimately, tough decisions mean a stronger squad and a deeper team. No matter who gets selected, we know it will be a hot player with the ability to be a difference maker, which is a good problem for both Conte and Tottenham.