North London Derby Preview

Article by Johny Murwill

Three weeks into the new season and the North London Derby is here. A fixture which promises explosive action and almost guaranteed goals, at the start of the summer few Spurs fans would have looked with optimism at the sight of a Spurs team facing their greatest rivals without Gareth Bale.

Yet instead there is a buzz surrounding Spurs that has rarely been felt in previous transfer windows. The arrivals of Vlad Chiriches, Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen on top of a number of classy recruits has not only softened Gareth Bale’s imminent departure, but threatened to overshadow it. Arsene Wenger has questioned the wisdom Spurs’ rebuilding policy, but while defeat on Sunday would perhaps temper some of the current enthusiasm running through Spurs fans, there is no doubt Spurs are building a squad to compete throughout the season.

An opening day defeat at home to Aston Villa led to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger’s credentials again coming under scrutiny, but a home fixture against Spurs will surely see form and outside affairs go out the window. The previous 5 fixtures at the Emirates have seen a total of 30 goals scored at an average of 6 goals a game. With such attacking intent on display from both teams, expect fireworks again.

Possible Line-Ups

In such a high intensity game, it would appear unlikely that Erik Lamela or Vlad Chiriches would start, and so might have to settle with a place on the bench. Doubts still remain over the fitness of Kaboul and Sandro, but both would be hugely beneficial inclusions against a dangerous Arsenal attack.

Lloris

Walker Kaboul Vertonghen Rose

Capoue Dembele

Paulinho

Townsend Chadli

Soldado

 

Key Battles

Jack Wilshere v Paulinho

While Wilshere has taken a backseat to the displays of Aaron Ramsey, Paulinho has caught the eye with his driving performances as part of a powerful Spurs midfield 3. How Paulinho and Wilshere manage to time and dictate their attacking instincts will prove crucial to the midfield battle.

Per Mertesacker v Roberto Soldado

 

The scorer of two goals in last season’s North London Derbies, Andre Villas Boas will be hoping that it is the defensive side of his game that will be under scrutiny when he faces Spurs’ Spaniard forward. While Soldado’s two league goals have both been penalties, his movement is likely to test the big German defender, and Arsenal will be loathe to give him any chances.

Kick-off Sunday, 1st September, 16:00 (Live on Sky Sports 1)
Last Season Arsenal 5 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur

Referee: Michael Oliver

Odds H 1/1 D 5/2 A 13/5

Premier League Form Guide
Arsenal: W L W W W D
Tottenham Hotspur: W W W W D W

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