Forever in our shadow? Arsenal vs. Spurs Match Preview

El Classico? Der Klassiker? Derby Della Madonnina? None of them
compare to the day of the North London Derby. From the moment I wake up, my
mind will be firmly on kick-off, excitement will take over my body and all I
will be thinking about is the ninety minuets that await me. Is there any better
feeling?

So
Spurs have spent £96m and we’ve spent £0. We’ve all got our ideas on how much
we should spend on whom, but that isn’t important for today. All that is
important today is to make our ground the most intimidating atmosphere possible
for our most intense rivalry and walk away with all three points.

It’s
a massive bonus for us to have Gareth Bale sat in an airport departure lounge with
every available flight booked 24/7 for Madrid and not being at The Emirates
today, but with Spurs new signings looking to prove themselves and ultimately
become an instant hero by scoring against us this could be another high scoring
affair. History would repeat itself if it was, as the last five Premier League
fixtures between us at The Emirates have produced thirty goals.

I’d
disagree with Theo Walcott’s suggestion that we have a stronger squad than
Spurs at the moment, but the Starting XI is a much more even affair – I’d say
we nick it. With the form Aaron Ramsey is in at the moment, he is going to take
some stopping and I’d like to see us attack Danny Rose’s side as I see him as
the weak link in that defensive line. If Theo Walcott has an on day (which he’s
due) then he could be a real spearhead in the game. Of course, Lukas Podolski
is out for a possible three months so Tomas Rosicky will probably come into CAM
and Santi Cazorla may be pushed out wide. Olivier Giroud is another man in fine
form and I think he’ll have a terrific season this year. He’s a new Dad, the
weight of expectation from replacing RVPayMeMore has lifted off his shoulders and
he’s settled into life in England; what isn’t there to be happy about? I’m a
firm believer in sticking Giroud in front of an attacker and having him in a
(this could be controversial) Bergkamp role.

I’m
not saying he’s Bergkamp as no-one will ever compare, but use his height and
strength in the air to hold the ball up, or flick it on and I think he’d be a
15+ assist a season man, as well as scoring goals himself. Mathieu Flamini will
probably be straight in the squad. I see the signing of Flamini quite simply
along these lines – I’d rather have him on the bench than Emmanuel Frimpong.

Betting
Tips –

Giroud
to score first and Arsenal to win – 2/1 SkyBet

Giroud
to score first – 5/1 SkyBet

Walcott
to score and Arsenal to Win – 5/1 William
Hill

Over
2.5 goals – 13/20 William Hill

Team News
–

Arsenal (Probable, 4-2-3-1):
Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Ramsey, Wilshere; Walcott,
Rosicky, Cazorla; Giroud.
Out: Arteta (thigh), Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain (both knee), Podolski
(hamstring), Vermaelen (back).

Tottenham (Probable, 4-2-3-1):
Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose; Capoue, Paulinho; Townsend, Dembélé,
Chadli; Soldado.
Out: Bale, Lennon (both foot), Assou-Ekotto, Adebayor (both match
fitness).

REDaction
tried to sort out a banner display for us to enhance the atmosphere, but the
Stadium Management team have decided we can’t go ahead with the proposed idea
as it may upset some fans so to anyone who is lucky enough to have a ticket for
today you MUST get right behind the team and scream your lungs out. Get at the
ref and make our home advantage count. Come on The Arsenal. Sod the ‘gap’ and
show those mugs from the lane that North London is RED

I’ll leave you with this little gem – Try not
to piss yourself laughing.

Ryan Barker

Follow @RyArsenal

Ryan Barker

20 year old Media Student. Can’t thank my old man enough for bringing me up as a Gooner. Love debates about The Arsenal & football in general. Arsene Knows Best. Koscielny lover. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Hate Piers Morgan almost as much as I love The Arsenal.

Delighted to be a part of GoonerTown providing match previews.