Match Preview : Arsenal Vs Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal‘s humiliating defeat in the Champions League has all but confirmed another trophy-less season for the Gunners. This season’s performances have made it to the long list of “ so close yet so far ” stories in the past six years for Arsene Wenger’s young side. Neighbours and arch rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, have been on a rampage lately, and come this Sunday they may just torpedo the Gunners’ floundering vessel. Spurs currently sit third in the league with 53 points whilst the home team a place further behind and ten points adrift of their rivals.

The visitors have had an upper hand in the derbies lately, and will be optimistic about their chances having won 3-2 in their previous meeting at the Emirates. Both teams have had contrasting results going into the high pressure derby, but as we’ve all seen in the past, current form matters for nothing when these giants collide. Regardless of the match result, the North London derbies make up for an entertaining fixture at least twice an year.

TEAM NEWS :

Arsenal have had an indifferent run of form lately and are on the back of two successive defeats, including a 4-0 thrashing in the hands of AC Milan in Champions League, which saw Laurent Koscielny being substituted mid-way through the first half due to injury to pile on the defensive woes on Arsene Wenger. The error-prone Yohan Djourou, whose mistake led to Milan’s fourth, might keep his place in the team with Djourou and Vermaelen being the only recognized centre-backs available for selection. Abou Diaby and Carl Jenkinson are likely to make the bench following their return from injury. Gervinho and Oxlade Chamberlain might get the nod to start the game after being dropped to the bench in midweek. Thierry Henry’s loan spell has expired and Jack Wilshere, Per Mertesacker along with Andre Santos remain long term absentees.

Tottenham were involved in a stalemate with lowly Stevenage Borough in the F.A Cup but that does not depict a clear picture of the form that they bring into a match of this magnitude. They are on a run of just one loss in ten league games including a 5-1 demolishing of a hapless Newcastle United in the premier league. Younes Kaboul has served his suspension and is available for selection. Luka Modric missed the 0-0 draw over the weekend with flu but is expected to recover and take is place in the heart of midfield alongside the inspirational Scott Parker. Assou-Ekotto underwent minor surgery earlier this week and is rated doubtful for the game. Emmanuel Adebayor picked up a knee injury in training as Harry Redknapp frets on the fitness of his star striker.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS :

Arsenal ( 4-2-3-1 ) :Szczesny , Sagna , Djorou , Vermaelen , Gibbs , Song , Arteta , Ramsey , Gervinho , Oxlade-Chamberlain , Van Persie.

Tottenham ( 4-2-3-1) :Friedel , Walker , Dawson , King , Assou-Ekotto , Modric , Parker , Kranjcar , Bale , Van Der Vaart , Adebayor.

LAST FIVE MEEINGS :

EPL – 14/04/2010 : Tottenham 2-1 ArsenalCarling Cup – 21/09/2010 : Tottenham 1-4 ArsenalEPL – 20/11/2010 : Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham EPL – 20/04/2011 : Tottenham 3-3 ArsenalEPL – 02/10/2011 : Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

CURRENT FORM :

Arsenal : D – W – W – L – L

Tottenham : W – W – D – W – D

Prediction : Spurs will be looking to do the double over the Gunners and goals are guaranteed when these two sides meet. There has been just one goal-less draw between the two sides in the last decade. It might be another 4-4 draw or even 5-3 win, that’s how the matches have ended in the recent past.