Arsenal starting XI for Spurs with NO Alexis or Ozil

Despite the Arsenal and Chile striker Alexis Sanchez being desperate to start his first north London derby today, after only featuring for the last 25 minutes of the game at the Emirates in September, this game will be a bit too soon for Arsene Wenger to risk him after his hamstring injury.

The Frenchman might have to tie his star player up though and he may well be on the bench, but although the games against Tottenham are always important and this one could see either team finish higher in the Premier League table than the other, Wenger must make sure that Sanchez does not aggravate his injury.

Another player to miss out I think will be the German international midfielder Mesut Ozil. Even though he did brilliantly in last week´s thrashing of Aston Villa, I still expect the boss to stick with Santi Cazorla in the number 10 role and to bring the fit again Danny Welbeck back into the forward line.

Welbeck´s extra work rate, pace and power could be invaluable in what is likely to be a very hard fought game and especially to counter the threat of their full back Kyle Walker down our left flank. Apart from that I expect the boss to stick with the same side that started last weekend.

Ospina
Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal
Coquelin, Ramsey
Walcott, Cazorla, Welbeck
Giroud

This is a strong and well balanced Arsenal team which will be hard to break down and very dangerous at the other end.