LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: The Arsenal players line up as the Last Post is sounded during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on November 8, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Arsenal Predicted Starters To Face Tottenham
Arsenal face Tottenham in the most crucial North London Derby in recent memory. Can the Gunners beat the Spurs to keep up with Leicester in the title race?
Never before has a North London Derby been so important. There has never been such a huge anticipation for a match between Arsenal and Tottenham, and the stakes have never been higher for both teams involved. Despite dropping points in midweek, the two sides from North London are still in the hunt for the Premier League title, although it remains Leicester City’s to lose.
Arsenal will be kicking themselves after their shock defeat at home to Swansea, which saw them slip further behind second-place Spurs. It would have been a crucial 3 points had Arsenal won, especially given that Tottenham had lost ground in the table with their loss to West Ham. Again, Arsenal failed to capitalize on their rival’s misfortunes.
The lack of scoring in the squad at the moment is a major concern going into this game, but that is not the only problem that this Arsenal team faces. The Gunners lost their best line of defence in Petr Cech this week, which means David Ospina will have to come into the team, rust and all. Walcott, Giroud and co. have not been hitting the back of the net. Alexis Sanchez has stated that the Arsenal squad lacks belief that they can win the title.
In short, Arsenal have many things going against them in this game, but for the sake of their Premier League hopes, they have to find a way to win this game, or they will be all but out of the title race before March is over.
Here is how Arsenal is expected to line up at White Hart Lane.
Many Arsenal fans are nervous about David Ospina coming in for the huge game against Tottenham, but they have to remember that Ospina was a solid goalkeeper last season when Wojciech Szczesny couldn’t get the job done. He’s no Petr Cech, but he can get the job done.Many Arsenal fans are nervous about David Ospina coming in for the huge game against Tottenham, but they have to remember that Ospina was a solid goalkeeper last season when Wojciech Szczesny couldn’t get the job done. He’s no Petr Cech, but he can get the job done."
> GK David Ospina
13, Colombia
Arsenal are going to need pace in defence on Saturday-and lots of it. Hector Bellerin is going to be busy against Danny Rose on that right flank tomorrow, but it’s nothing he can’t handle.Arsenal are going to need pace in defence on Saturday-and lots of it. Hector Bellerin is going to be busy against Danny Rose on that right flank tomorrow, but it’s nothing he can’t handle."
> RB Hector Bellerin
24, Spain
The last game Gabriel played in was a nightmare, but it wasn’t indicative of the kind of quality defender he is. Arsenal fans will be hoping that Gabriel can limit Harry Kane’s time on the ball in the box. The less shots he is able to take at rusty Ospina, the better.The last game Gabriel played in was a nightmare, but it wasn’t indicative of the kind of quality defender he is. Arsenal fans will be hoping that Gabriel can limit Harry Kane’s time on the ball in the box. The less shots he is able to take at rusty Ospina, the better."
> CB Gabriel Paulista
5, Brazil
Per Mertesacker hasn’t played much with Gabriel this season, so it will be interesting to see how the veteran performs with the Brazilian by his side against a very offensive Tottenham squad.Per Mertesacker hasn’t played much with Gabriel this season, so it will be interesting to see how the veteran performs with the Brazilian by his side against a very offensive Tottenham squad."
> CB Per Mertesacker
4, Germany
Nacho Monreal will need to be quick on his feet tomorrow, because Kyle Walker will undoubtedly be a handful down that left hand side. Both he and Bellerin will need to nullify Tottenham’s terrific offensive threats down the outsides of the pitch.Nacho Monreal will need to be quick on his feet tomorrow, because Kyle Walker will undoubtedly be a handful down that left hand side. Both he and Bellerin will need to nullify Tottenham’s terrific offensive threats down the outsides of the pitch."
> LB Nacho Monreal
18, Spain
Francis Coquelin hasn’t played up to his standards since his return from injury, but these are the type of matches where he excels. I have a feeling we will see the Coquelin of old tomorrow.Francis Coquelin hasn’t played up to his standards since his return from injury, but these are the type of matches where he excels. I have a feeling we will see the Coquelin of old tomorrow."
> RM Francis Coquelin
34, France
Aaron Ramsey has been awful as of late, but he has the ability to change the game with one shot, so for me, he’s in the squad. His finishing outside the box needs to improve, it could really become an asset for a team that likes to walk the ball in the net. Aaron Ramsey has been awful as of late, but he has the ability to change the game with one shot, so for me, he’s in the squad. His finishing outside the box needs to improve, it could really become an asset for a team that likes to walk the ball in the net. "
> LM Aaron Ramsey
16, Wales
In my last preview, I said that Joel Campbell was the breath of fresh air that Arsenal needed in the squad, and I was right. Campbell fit seamlessly into the starting lineup,a nd was able to make an immediate impact. He is the only player playing with a bit of passion at the moment. I hope that passion spreads to his dejected teammates if he is in the squad tomorrow.In my last preview, I said that Joel Campbell was the breath of fresh air that Arsenal needed in the squad, and I was right. Campbell fit seamlessly into the starting lineup,a nd was able to make an immediate impact. He is the only player playing with a bit of passion at the moment. I hope that passion spreads to his dejected teammates if he is in the squad tomorrow."
> RW Joel Campbell
28, Costa Rica
Another game changer for Arsenal. Danny Welbeck gets in the squad over Theo Walcott for me. He’s done more in two weeks than Walcott has all season, so he’s the logical choice to get the start.Another game changer for Arsenal. Danny Welbeck gets in the squad over Theo Walcott for me. He’s done more in two weeks than Walcott has all season, so he’s the logical choice to get the start."
> LW Danny Welbeck
23, England
Arsenal’s player of the season has consistently shown up against the opposition-he was one of the only players to put in a good performance in the defeat to Manchester United. Mesut Ozil will show up against Tottenham without a doubt, but will Giroud and co. be wasteful again with the chances that he creates?"
> CAM Mesut Ozil
11, Germany
I honestly don’t know what is going on with Olivier Giroud, but Arsenal desperately need him to start scoring again. The Gunner’s top scorer this season is suffering from a goal drought, but playing in a North London derby is just the type of game to get him going again, and to get Arsenal’s title hunt back on track.I honestly don’t know what is going on with Olivier Giroud, but Arsenal desperately need him to start scoring again. The Gunner’s top scorer this season is suffering from a goal drought, but playing in a North London derby is just the type of game to get him going again, and to get Arsenal’s title hunt back on track."
> ST Olivier Giroud
12, France
