Arsenal will be looking to register another win in the 176th North London Derby against Tottenham this weekend and will do so with plenty of options in the attacking third.
Every point counts
Arsène Wenger told the media in his press conference that he is encouraged by his large squad and is hoping to utilise the intensity of a local clash to inspire his players to get all three points.
“We have all the best attacking players in the Premier League. North London derbies are always very intense and the players from both sides know each other so well.
“It’s an opportunity for us to take points in the Premier League where every point counts.”
Defensive in and outs
The Frenchman revealed that Mathieu Flamini will return to the squad and vice-captain Per Mertesacker will be fit enough to start after missing out in the League cup clash against Southampton.
However, he did reveal concerns over the fitness of Nacho Monreal and believes that the club has been unfortunate to lose key defensive players so early on this season.
“We have been unlucky to lose Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy but it’s very difficult to buy defenders in this market.”
Smart spending
Despite the absence of Arsenal defensive summer acquisition, the manager feels that utility player Calum Chambers, “deals with the pressure very well and he has become a regular player for us.”
The Arsenal boss also went on to add tell his satisfaction of the Özil and Welbeck combination, saying that their pairing is, “a very interesting combination for us.”
Expected line-up
With his quotes in mind, this is the line-up expected for the big weekend clash:
Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Wilshere, Arteta, Ramsey, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck
Top of their game
The game is crucial in Arsenal’s tight pursuit of the league title this summer as Chelsea have started in fine form and look set to continue their good run after a slight blip against Manchester City.
Wenger feels that, “it’s an important moment of the season and it has a meaning for everybody.”
Despite reassuring Arsenal’s rivals that, “they will benefit from stability,” this year, he confirmed that he would not allow his first-team to sit back and respect the opposition at The Emirates.
“I just hope we can get on top of Tottenham. It’s always a very heated atmosphere and I believe it will be a very competitive game as well.”
What do you think of Tottenham?
Everything is geared up for another classic Premier League clash between Arsenal and Tottenham, but with the Gunners unbeaten in the league this campaign, you would fancy them to continue their impressive record against the Lilywhites.
Spurs will want to prove that their newfound stability and modern manager can outwit the red half of North London, but with the attacking prowess of the Gunners, Saturday could have come at the perfect time for the FA Cup holders.
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