Arsenal (Probable, 4-3-3): Fabianski; Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy; Fabregas, Song, Wilshere; Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin.

Tottenham (Probable, 4-4-2): Gomes; Hutton, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; van der Vaart, Jenas, Modric, Bale; Crouch, Pavlyuchenko.

Referee: Phil Dowd.


Tale of the game
North London rivals clash at the Emirates where Spurs have never won.

And in 18 Premier League visits to the Emirates and Highbury, Spurs have won just once – in the competition’s first season, when they beat Arsenal 3-1, in May 1993.

In the following 17 seasons, Spurs drew six and lost 11.

The teams have met already, in the Carling Cup at White Hart Lane in September, when the tie went to extra time before Arsenal won 4-1 with two penalties from Samir Nasri.

Arsenal moved to within two points of the leaders, Chelsea, on Sunday with a 2-1 win at Everton – before Chelsea lost to Sunderland.

It means Arsène Wenger’s side will go top, for the first time since March, if they beat Spurs as it is a lunchtime kick-off.

Their rise comes after a sequence of five wins out of six, a run interrupted only by the surprise 1-0 home reverse in their last outing at the Emirates, against Newcastle.

Spurs brought an end to a run of fourth Premier League games without a win when they won 4-2 at home to Blackburn. In their last two away games they have lost both and conceded six goals – the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford and 4-2 loss at Bolton.

Arsenal have 26 points, their best return from 13 games for three seasons. Spurs’ tally of 19 is six fewer than they had at this stage last term.

Arsenal have defender Laurent Koscielny available after a two-match suspension while goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is closing in on a return from an elbow injury.

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey is back in training after a broken leg but will not return until next month. Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles), Abou Diaby (ankle) and Emmanuel Frimpong (knee) are also out.

Spurs could still be without several key players with Tom Huddlestone out for three months because of an ankle operation and he joins Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Giovani Dos Santos (sprained ankle), Robbie Keane (ankle), Aaron Lennon (hamstring), Ledley King (groin), Michael Dawson (knee) and Jamie O’Hara (back) on the sidelines while Jermain Defoe (ankle) is doubtful.

Last season: Arsenal 3 Spurs 0, Spurs 2 Arsenal 1.

Stat of the game: Tottenham have gone 68 games – and 17 years – since they last won at the home of one of the ‘Big Four’.

Match

Mukina, y u no first predict who go win. Na stat we want chop?

It is well

UP GUNNERS!!!!! who wan win before sef? tottenham? lol Abeg commot that poll jo

I want spur to win d match, but gunners will defeat the fucking squad!

Up gunners! Arsenal 2 Totoyam 0.

You lost to newcastle at home, west brom at home. Now you will lose to spurs at home. Am predicting a fabiHANDski clanger & van der vart to score.

Please let becareful how we give our prediction for this match. I have observed that anyteam we don popoo this season always come back stronger. N/castle, so i will say arsenal 1 Totoyam 0

Arsenal all the way.

Gunners all d way.3 points is not negotiable.

Testing testing Microphone.

Testing 1, 2

^^good mic test. Defoe + Van der Vart + Gareth Bale = Away win

There's potential for a Spurs win here. . . .

we all know how Harry has set his sights on the champions league,
especially as a win in midweek will send his team through to the next round
He said it himself, his league campain will suffer cos of the champions league
I see him fielding a weak strong team
Arsenal will win

It's a derby so just forget about form. Lazio were the form team going into the Rome derby two weeks ago. They had only lost once before that game and were on top of the Serie A but then they lost at home to Roma who had been struggling all season.
There's bragging rights and superiority up for grabs and expect both teams to be up for it.
Arsenal need no introduction. Spurs on the other hand have shown that they are a team to be feared when they do come to the party. I think both teams are evenly matched. I'll go for a draw

My money is on Spurs, Bale to skin Sagna.

dayokanu:

Testing testing Microphone.

Testing 1, 2

Dayo, Shey you be fine boi?

We go sing today oh. . .make i go gather instruments for Live Band.

Yebareeeeeeeba. . .

only armchair analysts will give that Tottenham side a chance against Arsenal at home.

Arsenal will win 3-1. Sagna and Maicon arent exactly twins you know ?

Am only worried about the goalie but any thing else,forget arsenal would milk them dry. Today isnt Bale's day but i see RVV making inpact for totoyam. the match would see lots of goals but arsenal would take the day.

6hrs to kick off.

I'm pertubed

Arsenal shld not underate any team again.God shld pls give us 3 pts 2day so dat those who gathering demselves & dir instruments 2 mock us will not have any show 2 display. Amen

totts are a good attacking side. we are better attackers. 3-1 to the gunners. watch this space

manmustwac:

^^good mic test. Defoe + Van der Vart + Gareth Bale = Away win

Where were they when Bolton hammer them?

3 points for the Gunners . . . by hook or crook!

We go go untop n we never gonna stop

3points is damn clear, ,, up guuuunneerrrrrrrrrrrrrz

As certain as nite and day, VP will be on this party and Fab will get a goal.

As certain as nite and day, VP will be on this party and Fab will get a goal.

@slap1
where were the arsenal when both west brom & newcastle beat them at the emirates?

make i ask how market in advance?