Arsene Wenger told to drop Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for Arsenal's clash against Tottenham

Former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas has urged Arsene Wenger to drop star duo of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for the Gunners' north London derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur if they are "serious about winning big games."

The Chilean international and the World Cup winner with Germany have collectively scored two goals and registered four assists in the Premier League this season. Wenger's side has already faced Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City out of the top six.

Arsenal suffered defeats at the hands of the Merseyside club and Pep Guardiola's side while settling for a goalless draw against the English champions at Stamford Bridge. Sanchez and Ozil failed to have any impact on these fixtures.

Nicholas has advised the Frenchman to start Arsenal's summer signing Alexandre Lacazette and England international Danny Welbeck in place of Sanchez and Ozil for the derby clash.

"If Arsenal are serious about winning these big games, I would go with Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck and leave Ozil out and Sanchez out," Nicholas told Sky Sports.

"Are they two of our best players? Of course they are, but they don't do enough in these big games.

"Welbeck isn't as talented but what you've got to do against a back three is move them about to create chances, while Lacazette is our best finisher and sulky Sanchez doesn't like playing out wide.

"I'd play Alex Iwobi as well. People will question me for leaving those two out but it worked against Chelsea.

"I'd have Aaron Ramsey in central midfield with Granit Xhaka, but my concern is that Wenger sticks with his principle of playing two holding midfielders, even though he doesn't have the right players to play in those positions."

If Wenger decides to drop Sanchez and Ozil for Tottenham clash, it could come as a surprise for a section of Arsenal supporters. The former Barcelona star was rested for the international break, while Ozil registered an assist in Germany's 2-2 draw against France.

Mauricio Pochettino will take his men to the Emirates Stadium for the lunchtime kick-off on 18 November. Spurs are third in the table with 23 points after 11 games, level on points with second place Manchester United.