ARSENAL VS TOTTENHAM MATCH PREVIEW

ARSENAL VS TOTTENHAM MATCH PREVIEW

KICK OFF: 1:00PM

VENUE: EMIRATE STADIUM

REFEREE: MARK CLATTENBURG

Considering the sensational form of The Gunners, one would be forgiven for thinking that the opening day defeat to Liverpool came a long time ago. Such has been their imperious form, that they have gone 15 games unbeaten in all competitions (12 wins and 3 draws).

Over the years, the month of November has been known to hold countless nightmares in terms of form and fitness for the Gunners. But they couldn’t have started the month in any better style than showing grit and the mentality of a top team, by coming from behind to claim a 3-2 victory, after going down 2-0 to Ludogorets just after 15mins.

Arsene Wenger seems to have produced a masterclass by deploying Sanchez through the middle, because the Chilean has flourished in that position, and Mesut Ozil has been the greatest beneficiary of the intelligent movement and runs of the Chilean, because he has put on his scoring boots. Although it remains to be seen if Olivier Giroud, who is fit and scoring again, would be deployed through the middle against their North London rivals.

The reverse has been the case for Tottenham, they come into this game on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the Wembley stadium in the Champions league, in their worst display of the season so far. They are also without a win in six games in all competition, their last win coming against Manchester City.

With Janssen still taking time to find his feet in the Premier league, it remains to be seen if Pochettino would thrust a fit-again Kane straight into the game, after spending time on the sidelines, or if he’ll be more cautious and start Kane on the bench.

STAT:

Arsenal have won 5/6 of their home matches this season

Of the last 6 North London derbies, Arsenal have won 2, drawn 3, and lost 1

INJURY AND SUSPENSION

ARSENAL: Lucas Perez, Chuba Akpom, Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck are all out, Kieran Gibbs and Santi Carzorla both need to pass a late fitness test

TOTTENHAM:  Erik Lamela and Toby Alderweireld are both out, while Moussa Dembele is a doubt after twisting his ankle.