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

Arsenal will be hoping to once again claim the bragging rights when they entertain North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Gunners warmed up for the game with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the third round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night but Arsene Wenger is expected to recall a number of first team players having made 10 changes for the game.

That result came shortly after 3-0 win away at Aston Villa that maintained the Reds unbeaten start to the Premier League season, and Wenger will be hoping to close the gap on leaders Chelsea with a positive result tomorrow.

Tottenham make the short trip across North London after beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 on Wednesday night to book their place in the fourth round of the League Cup.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s men had previously gone four games without a win and suffered a shock 1-0 loss at home to West Bromwich Albion last weekend, so the Argentine boss will be desperate to get their campaign back on track.

Team news

Arsenal welcome back midfielder Mathieu Flamini after he missed the last two games with a muscle injury.

Defenders Kieran Gibbs and Per Mertesacker have also been passed fit after picking up knocks earlier in the week.

Nacho Monreal is still nursing a back injury so he joins Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Matheiu Debuchy, Yaya Sanogo and Serge Gnabry on the sidelines.

Spurs continue to be without right-back Kyle Walker due to an on-going hip problem, so Eric Dier is expected to keep his place.

Pochettino has no fresh injury concerns so he’s expected to recall a number of players including the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli, who were all rested in midweek.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Mesut Ozil: The German schemer was back to his best against Aston Villa and Spurs will have to pay close attention to him if he once again starts in the No.10 position tomorrow. His link-up play with Danny Welbeck in particular was impressive last weekend.

Predicted Score

Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham: The Gunners have won the last four games at home to Spurs in all competitions and we can see them edging this one again tomorrow, with Wenger’s side having too much in attack for their rivals to handle.

What team would you like to see start and whats your predicted score for the game?