Tottenham Preview

Good evening readers,
Yes it's that time of the season again, it is indeed the North London Derby at the Grove. I don't think I need explain the importance of this game. This means so much to everyone associated with Arsenal so it's crucial every player comes into this game willing to give their life to contribute to a win. Of course we played them earlier in the Carling Cup in which we hopped them 4-1 after extra time but tomorrows game will be far more competitive. The last time we faced them in the league it didn't end as we would have liked. We went to the Lane missing several first-team players and were beaten by a side far more pumped for the occasion. Lets not dwell on that game too much but use it as an incentive to get some payback tomorrow.

Tottenham haven't won on our soil in the league since 1993, some 17 years and lets hope that record grows with every season. I am relatively confident going into the game. The stats don't lie, Spurs simply have not been good enough against us in recent times and the fact that they have only kept two clean sheets in all competitions this season doesen't exactly help their mental state. Of course it will be interesting to see what sort of reception William Gallas gets tomorrow. Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal fans to show respect to our former captain but then again he has said the same about other former players returning and lets just say his call fell on deaf ears. Gallas knows he made a very controversial decision moving down the road. Today Harry backed him and said Arsenal fans should be cheering him instead of booing him and asked what Gallas had done wrong. I mean is this man serious? Insane? High on cocaine? Who knows? One things for sure, Gallas is definately not the innocent party here and any critisim that comes his way tomorrow is more than deserved.

Now for the team news. Here is how I'm predicting the two sides will line up beginning with ourselves:

Fabianski

Sagna - Squillaci - Djourou - Clichy

Fabregas - Song - Wilshere

Nasri - Chamakh - Arshavin

There are a few tricky decisions Arsene has to make. Six of the players in that side played for their countries mid-week and that might well be a factor. Sagna played the majority of the game for France while Nasri completed it. Djourou and Arshavin also completed 90 minutes while Cesc and Chamakh were also given run outs. Koscielny is back from his 2-game ban but I can't see him starting ahead of Djourou. The Swiss man has formed a solid partnership with Squillaci, has far more Premier League experience and is better equipped to deal with Crouch. The 45 minutes Fabregas got could be just what he needed, Wenger has spoken of his lack of sharpness over the past few weeks so Wednesday's game can only have been a positive thing for him. Wilshere today passed a fitness test and will be fresh and raring to go. Nasri was fantastic against England, hopefully he can reproduce similar if not more magic tomorrow. Chamakh scored for Morocco all be it with a bit of luck but it was reward for his determination to close down the opposition. He could face competition for the game though with Van Persie getting sharper by the day, the Dutchman played 45 minutes the other day so just maybe he will nick a place in the starting 11. Finally you have Arshavin in there, the man played 94 minutes midweek but I'm still expecting him to start. I reckon Walcott will be more effective off the bench against Assou Ekotto's tired legs, lets wait and see.
Now finally onto Spurs possible team:

Gomes

Hutton - Gallas - Bassong - Ekotto

Jenas - Modric - Palacios - Bale

Van Der Vaart

Crouch

When I look at this team I immediately see weaknesses in that back four. Hutton and Ekotto are average full-backs who can be taken apart by any decent winger. If Arshavin and Nasri are on their game tomorrow I can see them giving these two lads a very hard time and I haven't even mentioned Walcott's speed yet. In the heart of the defence you have the unpredictable Gallas and the vulnerable Bassong. Both are reasonably small for centre-halves so if Chamakh starts we should try and play as many crosses into the box as we can. In midfield you have plenty of quality. Jenas, Modric and Bale are all technically gifted players and each have an eye for goal. Palacios will play the holding role and will no doubt have his work cut out. Crouch might well play up front on his own supported by Van Der Vaart. These two pose a massive threat. We all know what the Dutch star is capable of and Crouch's height will provide a stern test for Squillaci and Djourou but we've kept him quiet in the past so no reason why we can't do it again.

There has been a lot of hype surrounding Gareth Bale in recent weeks and the question before each game seems to be "will he tear this right-back apart?" Tomorrow he comes up against a man very much in form in the shape of Sagna. I think the Frenchman can contain him, he has the speed and physical presence so why not? All about concentration for the whole 90 minutes. I don't even think Bale deserves speical attention, the stats don't speak volumes. Both he and Walcott have scored four goals and created one in the league this season and thats not even half the story. Gareth Bale has played 1170 minutes. Theo Walcott has played 304 minutes (that’s 25% of Bale’s minutes) plus the man has delivered 114 crosses for that one assist. Shove that up your arse all you senseless baboons in the media out there.

If we win tomorrow we got top at least for a few hours. It is a big motivation for the players and might well put extra pressure on Chelsea who face a tough game against Birmingham without Terry, Essien, Lampard etc so who knows?

Aside from tomorrows game Bendtner has made more comments but this time they seem a little more positive. He has admitted he will have to be patience and work his way into starting 11. I understand why he has been frustrated, he practically carried our title challenge for over a month last season, then he gets injured and falls down the pecking order. Still though all you can do is put in the effort in training and shine when given opportunities.

Theres not much else going on at the moment but I doubt anybody really cares with whats instore for us tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a comfortable win and lets send the Spuds home with their tale between their legs. Come on Arsenal!
Till next time.