The North London Derby is one of the fun dates on the Premier League calendar, at least for neutrals. If you’re a supporter of either Spurs or Arsenal, it’s a match you dread because losing means having to listen to fans of the other side lob verbal abuse at you until the next time the two teams meet.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Team news and game preview
The North London Derby arrives featuring two sides heavy on offense and light of defense. This one should be fun.
Jan Kruger
If you just want to enjoy a wide open football match though, this should be the game for you. Arsenal and Spurs are both teams that can score goals -- the Gunners have netted ten in EPL play, Spurs have scored seven -- and neither defense is what you would call, solid. All signs point to a wide open match with plenty of chances, plenty of goals, and some entertaining wheels off moments.
The only thing that could mess things up for lovers of wild games is an uncharacteristic defensive performance from one or both of the teams. Considering it’s usually the games that are hyped up as a battle of big offenses that turn into a scoreless draw, keep your fingers crossed for something going according to plan for once.
Key Player: Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)
With Olivier Giroud sidelined, Arsenal's main threat up top is Danny Welbeck. Considering that the former United player is well known for being a bit inconsistent with his finishing, it's understandable if fans of the Gunners are nervous. Arsenal need Welbeck to be a threat on goal for them to be successful, and if he starts consistently misfiring, it's only going to cause more and more frustration. A big game against hated Spurs would go a long way towards Welbeck endearing himself to the Emirates crowd.
Key Matchup: Spurs defense vs. Arsenal’s defense
If there’s one thing we can expect from this latest edition of the North London Derby, it’s goals. Neither team’s defense is particularly deep or impressive, and both are susceptible to being broken down. With both clubs featuring talented attackers, this match should come down to which defense, and goalkeeper, has a better day. A big save or goal-saving tackle might make the difference, but the question is which teams defense will make that play.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Olivier Giroud (ankle), Serge Gnabry (knee), Theo Walcott (knee), Mathieu Debuchy (ankle). In Doubt: Yaya Sanogo (hamstring), Nacho Monreal (back)
Tottenham injuries and suspensions
Out: Kyle Walker (abdominal surgery).
Kyle Walker is Spurs only injury concern as the fullback continues to recover from lower abdominal surgery while Arsenal have several players sidelined. Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Debuchy are both out with ankle injuries which means Calum Chambers is the likely candidate to take over at right back. Yaya Sanogo and Nacho Monreal are both doubtful with knocks, but could feature off the bench.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: NBCSN, DirecTV (U.S. - English), Mun2 (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), TSN 3 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), TSN Go (Canada)
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