Premier League preview: Higher stakes than usual between Arsenal and Tottenham
Arsenal and Tottenham face off at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 20 November in a North London derby that could be putting more prestige at stake than usual.
While Spurs formed a potent threat last season, finishing fourth in the league and defeating Arsenal 2–1 at White Hart Lane in April, Harry Redknapp's team are looking even bolder this season.
With 19 points from 13 games, seventh-placed Spurs are within three points of Manchester City in fourth place, and the team have impressed in the Champions League so far, topping Group A with two games left in the group stage.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are only two points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.
If they win, Arsene Wenger's team will clinch the lead in the table and could hold onto it if Chelsea falter against Birmingham City later in the day.
A victory for Spurs would see them come within four points of their north London rivals — an uncomfortably narrow gap for Saturday's home team.
Arsenal team have inflicted defeat upon Manchester City, another contender for fourth place, this season, and will have no interest in letting Redknapp's men creep up the table.
Wilshere, Arshavin and Rosicky face late tests
Arsenal will conduct a late fitness test on midfielder Jack Wilshere, while offensive duo Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky will be tested after returning from international duty with Russia and the Czech Republic respectively.
Midfielder Abou Diaby is still out, while long-term absentees Manuel Almunia and Thomas Vermaelen, two players integral to the stability of Wenger's defence, have yet to return to full training.
Robin van Persie remained on the Arsenal bench against Everton on 14 November, but the Dutchman could start on Saturday after playing 45 minutes for the Netherlands during the international break.
Other positive news for Arsenal concerns defender Laurent Koscielny, who is available for selection after picking up a red card against Newcastle United on 7 November.
Defoe could feature, Gallas returns to the Emirates
Having returned to full training a full month ahead of schedule, Spurs striker Jermaine Defoe could also play a part.
Redknapp will be without Tom Huddlestone, who faces three months on the sidelines after injuring his ankle, while speedy winger Aaron Lennon faces a late fitness test due to a hamstring problem.
Defenders Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are still out for Spurs, meaning William Gallas is likely to start in what will be a heated return to his former club.
Saturday's encounter is the 147th meeting between the sides. The last six league and cup fixtures between them have produced 25 goals, meaning Saturday's game promises to be lively.
Before Spurs' win against Arsenal in April, Wenger's team had not lost any of their previous 21 league games against their rivals.
With Spurs' only away victory at Arsenal having come in 1993, and Wenger's team having won five of their last six league fixtures, the odds would have to be in the home team's favour this time around.
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