Huge game for obvious reasons, both teams still battling to achieve their goals and have the added bonus of really damaging the opponent's aspirations. Arsenal have played 3 additional matches since Spurs' last fixture. I saw the advantage that had when we played Liverpool earlier in the season. Who plays? I dunno, some options have emerged for us and Arteta has some selection headaches. Partey looked great against Chelsea but Spurs' press is a little more intense and in your face and I don't know if the rust has been sufficiently shaken off yet. Raya White Saliba Gabriel Tomiyasu Partey Odegaard Rice Saka Havertz Martinelli Maybe?
A draw here I reckon to put the scummies a point up with a game in hand after their gimme against Forest. 2-2
First NLD I actually feel calm and excited about instead of a nervous wreck. Imo, CL is out of reach for us with the fixtures left and our form over the last month. We needed 5th place qualification but Arsenal, City and Liverpool hurt us there in Europe. I have no complaints if we finish in Europa league positions considering how I felt to start the season. All pressure is on Arsenal. Spurs need to attack and play smart. No dumb penalties or reds from Romero or Bissouma. Udogie is out which is huge but Porro might play. Vicario Porro Romeo VdV Emerson Bissouma Bentancur Sarr Johnson Son Werner
Ange has said Ben Davies will start. Little concerning against Saka. We have players that can hurt Arsenal but likewise. I think it's a game that can go either way today. I'd love it if we beat them but even a draw I think is fine for us. It's a game I just want over with tbh. I don't have a good feeling about it.
Davies won't be bad if he doesn't have to press so far forward. I'm not very worried. It's all on Arsenal to continue their title challenge and if we can play spoiler then great. If not, hopefully City keep winning.
Doesn't happen that often which is why it makes me laugh when people make a huge fuss over our away record v top 6. Usually balanced out by beating them at home. Last season aside, this fixture tends to favour the home team. I think Arsenal are good enough to come to Tottenham and win though. I don't miss it all that much since walking away but I do miss days like today. The place will be rocking early on, hopefully our players are at it too.
Feels like we’re overdue a mad one as well. Maybe the 4-2 in 2018 was the last example of that. Been reminiscing of the crazy results from a decade ago. The 5-2s, 4-4, 3-3, 2-3 when Spurs came back from 2-0 down. The 5-1 in the Carling Cup too. I’m in the mood for a ding dong today.
Most of those chaotic derbies tend to be at the Emirates though. I just want a comfortable 5-0 home win, sod the stress of the madness. Yeah, the long break should have helped but I'm nervous about it.
Hojbjerg starting probably gives a little clue to how Spurs may set up today. Spurs have dug in and defended deep against City twice this season and we’re basically City-lite.
Did we? I remember being out of possession but I didn't think it was by choice. I could be remembering wrong. I hope Ange plays it smarter and tries defending deeper instead of giving arsenal a high line to get behind.
