Spurs vs Arsenal Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Tottenham Hotspur welcome north London rivals Arsenal to White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon for the second part of ‘Super Sunday’.

There is always a lot riding on North London Derbies but you get the feeling this could be a season-defining game for both sides.

The Gunners have dropped off the pace in recent weeks after leading the Premier League for much of the season but they’ve been given the opportunity to move back to within four points of top spot after Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Spurs on the other hand find themselves in a hole after following up last weeks 4-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a 3-1 defeat to Benfica at home in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.

The pressure is therefore firmly on the shoulders of coach Tim Sherwood, who’s been vocal with his criticism of his players this week so will be looking for a response against their rivals tomorrow.

Despite Tottenham’s problems this season, a win would see them move to within just three points of fourth-placed Arsenal. However, an away win would see Arsene Wenger’s men open up a nine point advantage with a game in hand, which would not only all-but guarantee a top-four finish but also severely dent Tottenham’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, so it’s all to play for this weekend.

Team News

Tottenham were boosted with the news that Younes Kaboul’s red card against Chelsea was rescinded so the Frenchman will be available to play tomorrow.

Sherwood has injury doubts over striker Emmanuel Adebayor, but he’s likely to be passed fit despite carrying an ankle knock. Kyle Walker is also considered a doubt after being withdrawn late on against Chelsea but he, along with Mousa Dembele, are also expected to be available.

Captain Michael Dawson is out for up to three weeks after injuring his hamstring last weekend, so he joins Etienne Capoue, Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches on the sidelines.

Arsenal will be without influential playmaker Mesut Ozil after he was ruled out for at least three weeks with a hamstring strain. Nacho Monreal is fit again but Kieran Gibbs faces a late fitness test on an ankle knock.

January signing Kim Kallstrom is in contention for the first time after recovering from a back complaint, but Aaron Ramsey’s comeback has been delayed after he suffered a minor set back in training.

Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott are still out, along with long-term injury victim Abou Diaby.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Emmanuel Adebayor: The Togolese hitman is likely to be right up for this game as he faces his former club. Tottenham will be hoping they see the best of him as on his day, Adebayor is unplayable. Mertesacker and Koscielny will have to keep him under wraps tomorrow if the visitors want to take anything away from the Lane.

Predicted Score

Spurs 1-2 Arsenal: The hosts are low on confidence right now and the fact they played on Thursday night is likely to go against them, so we can see the Gunners edging this one.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score for the game? Share your views below.