WHO WINS THE NORTH LONDON DERBY ?
Tottenham host Arsenal at White Hart Lane this weekend as their rivals' superiors.
Such a statement has rarely rung true in the Premier League era but, despite a disappointing midweek defeat against West Ham, Spurs boast a three-point advantage over Arsene Wenger's side.
Victory on Saturday would put a huge dent in the Gunners' title challenge and simultaneously boost Mauricio Pochettino's, even if the Argentine has chosen to stay coy on the subject.
Arsenal have won just two of their previous eight top-flight fixtures but, as the entire football world knows, the form book goes out of the window on derby day.
Who will claim the north London bragging rights when the stakes couldn't be much higher?
Last five matches:
Arsenal 1 Tottenham 1 - Premier League (08/11/15)
Tottenham 1 Arsenal 2 - Capital One Cup (23/09/15)
Tottenham 2 Arsenal 1 - Premier League (07/02/15)
Arsenal 1 Tottenham 1 - Premier League (27/09/14)
Tottenham 0 Arsenal 1 - Premier League (16/03/14)
Team news and probable line ups:
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to make several changes to the side which lost at Upton Park in midweek.
Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies are set to make way for Kyle Walker and Danny Rose in the full-back positions.
Dele Alli only featured as a substitute on Wednesday but it is hoped the teenager will be able to start his third north London derby.
Mousa Dembele faces a late fitness test with Ryan Mason expected to drop to the bench if the Belgian proves his fitness.
Nacer Chadli could be dropped after a lacklustre display against the Hammers while Heung-min Son is pushing for a start.
Arsene Wenger has a selection headache on his hands as several of his regular have under performed in recent weeks.
Petr Cech will miss the game with a calf injury, which means David Ospina will deputise between the sticks.
Laurent Koscielny also picked up a knock against Swansea and is set to be another key enforced absence for the Gunners.
Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny will be paired in the centre of defence as a result.
Alexis Sanchez is struggling for form but is unlikely to be dropped.
Danny Welbeck is vying for a starting role ahead of Olivier Giroud while Joel Campbell is set to continue ahead of Theo Walcott on the right flank.
Tottenham possible XI: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose; Dier, Dembele; Lamela, Alli, Eriksen; Kane.
Arsenal possible XI: Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey; Campbell, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck.
What they’re saying:
Mauricio Pochettino: “Our mentality is always to believe. That is all I can say. We are in the most competitive league in the world.
“We missed a good chance at West Ham and maybe we didn’t play as we have in the last few games. Saturday is very important for us to keep our position in the table.”
Arsene Wenger: "I am worrying about our results. We don't dream. We have to be realistic and come back to what we do well; the basics.
"The players are very down but we have to respond. We have to focus on our job and remind ourselves that we have some quality as well."
what is your prediction ?
courtesy standard
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