Saturday's North London derby is the most important match Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have played out in an awfully long time. Usually scrapping over fourth place, these two sides go head-to-head with their dreams of lifting the Premier League title still alive. Defeat for either side could prove terminal. Spurs head into the match three points clear of the Gunners, and three points adrift of league leaders Leicester City. They're in a good position, indeed.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Saturday’s North London derby could be one of the most important in the fixture’s history.
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However, they lost their first Premier League match since January in their midweek outing at West Ham United, and will have to bounce back swiftly. The good news for Spurs is that the Gunners haven't been in great form of late, either. Having been title favorites just a few weeks back, Arsène Wenger's side have suffered two straight league defeats -- including one to struggling Swansea City -- and morale in their camp seems rather low.
Key matchup: Mesut Özil vs. Eric Dier
Though Spurs have the better league placing, it’s Arsenal who have this game’s star man. Mesut Özil has shown this season why he was once rated as one of the finest attacking midfielders on the planet, with the German international having cruised clear at the top of the assist charts. He’s created 18 goals in the league this season, seven more than second-placed Riyad Mahrez. Spurs’ defensive midfielder Eric Dier will certainly have a job on his hands.
Recent history
Recent meetings between these sides have been evenly balanced. They drew 1-1 when they met at the Emirates earlier in the season, two months after Arsenal had dumped Spurs out of the Capital One Cup with a 2-1 victory at White Hart Lane. However, Spurs won the last time they hosted a league encounter, with Harry Kane netting a dramatic 86th minute winner as they came from a goal down to win 2-1.
Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions
Out: Clinton N'Jie, Jan Vertonghen (knee). In doubt: Mousa Dembélé (groin).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Jack Wilshere, Laurent Koscielny, Petr Čech (calf); Santi Cazorla (knee); Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (leg); Tomáš Rosický (thigh). In doubt: None.
Spurs will still miss center back Vertonghen, but they’ll be hoping to have midfielder Dembélé back in action after a groin injury.
Arsenal have their customarily long injury list: the latest addition is goalkeeper Čech, who will be replaced between the sticks by Colombian international David Ospina.
Match date/time: Saturday, 7:45 a.m. ET, 12:45 p.m. local
Venue: White Hart Lane, London
TV: NBCSN (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); TSN, RDS (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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