Arsenal v Spurs preview – a real test of Quality

Tomorrow Arsenal face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in what is sure to be a heated but exciting game, filled with passionate fans and a sizzling rivalry. Many Arsenal fans will tell you that there is no better game at the Emirates than Arsenal vs Spurs; because the atmosphere is intense and although the rivalry is passionate it is not hostile so the game of football is still enjoyable.

For many years Arsenal had been guaranteed all three points, as Spurs struggled to stay in the top 10 of the league, however over the past 6 years or so, the gap has dramatically slimmed. Spurs have improved massively, whilst Arsenal have unfortunately fallen into decline, and although the past two years have been extremely close, I feel this is the year that we are finally on the same level, the year where I genuinely fear that Spurs that could take over us and although I am still heavily supportive of Arsenal, from a realistically football fans perspective that is the honest truth and what we have to live with. Some people will push it aside and choose not to believe it whilst I’m sure the majority will take a similar approach to me, in recognising how strong Spurs have become but ultimately still having support and confidence of my team on Sunday.

Going into this game its Spurs that have made all the signings and with recent deals secured for Erik Lamela and Christain Erisken, as well as all the signings they have already made, they have a very strong squad going into this game. With suggestions that Bale could also play for Spurs, in which will be his final game, they have a very worrying line-up.

It could feature as:
Lloris
Walker Dawson Kaboul Vertonghen
Paulinho Dembele
Eriksen
Bale Soldado Lamela

That is a very strong team, but are Arsenal capable of beating it? On paper, I honestly think the two teams are similar. Providing we have no new injures, that we don’t know of, and of course no new additions by this time tomorrow, which also seems unfortunately likely, then I think we could line up as follows:

Szczseny
Sagna Mertesacker Koscielny Gibbs
Ramsey Wilshere
Rosicky
Walcott Giroud Cazorla

I don’t think Flamini will get a starting place, whilst Podolski’s injury means Cazorla is likely to play out wide. So who has the better team there? I honestly think Arsenal! The Spurs front three is probably better but beside that I think we are quite creative, whilst they struggle to find that defining edge that gives them a breakaway. Spurs have so far failed to score from open play so far this season in the league, which just shows they lack creativity. The worrying thing is, is that they haven’t conceded a goal yet either, so this will be a very tough game.

I think we still have enough to do it and hopefully we are up for another 5-2, for the third year running, however I can be honest in saying I’m not as confident as I have been for the past few years, but I’ll still go for 3-2 Arsenal.