The North London derby is without doubt the biggest game in both of these clubs calendars, and always the first fixture fans look for when the fixture list is revealed.
It is a game both sets of supporters expect their teams to win, which only adds to the intense atmosphere of games.
If you had asked an Arsenal fans thoughts on this match in the aftermath of the Villa game then the outlook would not have been pretty; but despite only Flamini returning to the club on a free transfer since, the Gunners form has certainly improved drastically since the opening day of the season.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenals vital qualification to the Champions League in midweek unfortunately came with some serious setbacks. German international striker Lukas Podolski went off injured to add to Arsenal’s extensive injury list, and is now set to miss between 8-10 weeks, leaving Giroud and Sanogo as Arsenal’s only out-and-out strikers.
Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey both appear to have shaken off minor knocks from the Fenerbahce game and will be ready to start against Spurs on Sunday, while Koscielny is back from his suspension, however, Arteta and Vermaelen are still on the injury table.
Though Arsenal’s transfer activity has been bitterly disappointing so far this summer, Wenger has brought Mathieu Flamini back on a free transfer to the club to help with the injury crisis. The Frenchman will be a welcome addition to the squad due to his versatility allowing him to play defensive midfield or at fullback.
Possible Line-Up
Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky; Walcott, Giroud, Cazorla
The Opposition
After Spurs’ continual failure to finish above Arsenal in the league table, they have done what the Gunners have not and splashed the cash. Manager Andre Villas-Boas has taken the amount spent on summer signings to over £100 million, following the acquisition of three players in the last couple of days.
However, as has been much reported in the media Spurs are about to lose their best player Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, so will almost be balancing the books.
Despite losing Gareth Bale, Spurs have lost none of their attacking tenacity with the addition of attacking midfielders and strikers such as Soldado and Chadli, whilst also bolstering their defensive options with defensive midfielders such as Capoue and Paulinho.
Spurs will be hoping that they can finally finish above Arsenal in the league, and with a win at the Emirates and a wealth of new additions to the squad, they unfortunately look the most dangerous in years. Arsenal will have to dig deep to win here, and will also need Wenger to bolster the squad before the window closes if we want to ensure Champions League Qualification again.
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