Tottenham v Arsenal – Match Preview

In the second North London derby of this campaign, Arsenal travel the short way to White Hart Lane, and, if they have any environmentalists in their ranks, could be making the trip on foot. Traditionally one of the best fixtures in the footballing calendar, both sides will be looking to entertain their respective fans with some beautiful football. The last meeting between the two sides was nothing short of entertaining, with Tottenham coming back from 4-2 down to snatch a draw with two late goals. Arsenal haven’t suffered defeat in any of the last 18 league meetings between the fierce rivals. Spurs will be hungry for three points after slipping down to just one point from the drop zone, whereas Arsenal know a defeat could spell the end of their Champions League hopes.

Keane celebrates more than anybody after 5-1 defeating of Arsenal

The Team

After re-signing from Liverpool, Robbie Keane will make his second debut on Sunday, and will wear the captain’s armband in the absence of club skipper Ledley King. Jamie O’Hara, Jermain Defoe and Alan Hutton accompany King on the sidelines due to injury; whilst David Bentley will miss out after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Stoke. Wilson Palacios is expected to make his home debut from the start, although Pascal Chimbonda may have to settle for a place on the bench upon his return to White Hart Lane. Gomes, however, has “resumed full training” to quote Football Manager, and could be in line for a return to action. I expect Harry Redknapp to have learnt that 4-5-1 does not work, and set his team out something like:

Gomes

Corluka               Woodgate               Dawson               Assou-Ekotto

                             Palacios                 Zokora

Lennon                                                                                  Modric

                             Pavlyuchenko         Keane

 A strong central midfield of Didier Zokora and Wilson Palacios could be the key to keeping Arsenal’s creative streak at bay, whilst Luka Modric can off the creativity coming in from the left-hand side. Roman Pavlyuchenko has thrived under the presence of Jermain Defoe, so should have no problem forming just as effective a partnership with the returning Keane.

My verdict: 2-2