2 weeks ago
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Viktor Gyokeres is set to make his Arsenal bow in the North London Derby.
It will not be his competitive debut - if you can class any North London Derby as non-competitive - given it is a pre-season friendly but he is sure to get a big welcome.
Gyokeres is the striker Arsenal fans have been crying out for for some time, to solve their issues in front of goal and take them from perennial runners-up to Premier League champions.
The Swede will get a warm welcome from the Arsenal supporters in Hong Kong, having already received a huge ovation when introduced to the crowd in Singapore ahead of the game with Newcastle United on Sunday.
But if he is under any illusions as to what awaits in the Premier League, he is sure to get a taste of it against Spurs, not only given the rivalry between the two sides, but if a certain player comes up against him.
Gyokeres has only been training with his new teammates for a day so far, so it remains to be seen whether he starts to game at the Kai Tak Stadium or whether he comes on at half-time or in the second half of the contest.
Tottenham have so far been using different XIs in each half of matches as new head coach Thomas Frank takes a look at his players in action and a certain Spurs star is sure to give Gyokeres a different kind of welcome, should he be on the pitch at the same time.
Cristian Romero is known for his no-nonsense approach at centre-back. The World Cup winner is a physical defender, throwing himself into challenges and making sure his opponents know he is there.
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He is not afraid of the dirty work, he will not stand on ceremony for anyone and will slide into challenges whether he knows he can get the ball or not. Gyokeres will know he is in a game should he come up against Romero on Thursday afternoon and will learn first-hand what life is going to be like in England.
If Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could get a glimpse of the Spurs teamsheet before they are due to be handed in, he might be well served to keep his new striker out of the firing line when Romero is on the pitch.
What is for certain is that Tottenham supporters will cheer from the rafters the first sliding tackle Romero makes on Gyokeres, whether he wins the ball or not.
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