The North London Derby

By Andy Jones

The year is 1913, Woolwich Arsenal move from South London to North London, after then Chairmen Henry Norris’ attempt to merge Fulham and Arsenal into one giant club is rejected by the football league, he realises the potential of having a big London team and moves the Gunners away from the main catchment area of current clubs to North London, right next to Gillespie Road Station, now known as Arsenal Station and thus creating a rivalry with Tottenham Hotspur and the North London Derby.

Well after that little bit of history, let’s get down to the facts of today, Arsenal are still in the title hunt, a win against their biggest rivals will see them remain within 3 points of league leaders Chelsea and go one point ahead of Man United. While a win for Spurs would see them move within a point of Man City and fourth place while consolidating their hold on fifth and Europa League football next year.

Some of the biggest news ahead of tomorrow’s game is Robin van Persie being included in the squad for Arsenal. With Wenger having this to say: “He will feature. He lacks a bit of match practice but when I pick a player it means he’s fit and sharp.” This will be a boost for all Arsenal fans and will no doubt be a boost for the actual squad. van Persie brings alot to the table for Arsenal, he was in lethal form before his injury and his importance to the team when fit is obvious, he easily links the midfield and attack together while providing a huge goal scoring threat with that mighty left boot of his, both in play and from dead ball situations.

Another player that Spurs fans will have taken note of, is Sol Campbell, who Wenger has said will play. The former Tottenham man is sure to receive a hostile reception from home support, but at 35 years of age and with his experience, don’t expect it to faze him, but expect plenty of boo’s when he touches the ball. Tottenham on the other hand will be sweating to see if Captain and Mr. Tottenham, Ledley King will be fit enough to play, while Vedran Corluka is also a doubt. Tottenham will also be missing Wilson Palacios through suspension, which is a big hit for them as he would be a major player, particularly when it comes to the task of disrupting the Arsenal passing game and especially when it comes to shackling Nasri, who no doubt will be the one in the driving seat of the Arsenal engine while Fabregas is out injured. With Arsenal also missing Arshavin as well as the ever influential Song, would of been told to try to keep an eye on Modric, who no doubt is a big loss for Arsenal and just as Palacios is for Spurs.
Some quick head to heads:

Diaby vs Modric
The lanky French midfielder will most likely be played in the holding role along with Denilson and one of their main objectives will be to shackle Luka Modric who as well as being able to play the ball on the ground and run with it, has an eye for goal. Modric also links the play between the midfield and the strikers and he is the sort of player who can thread through a pass for the pacy Defoe to chase. However Diaby also likes to venture forward and can go on mazy runs and too can shoot, but you can guarantee Wenger will want him to be alert tomorrow, as Denilson, most likely to partner him in the holding role, isn’t the strongest in the tackle.

Walcott vs Assou-Ekotto
The speed demon that is Walcott, could well start tomorrow and while some days he isn’t the greatest of players, other days he really can torment defences and you can expect him to run alot at Assou-Ekotto who does like to venture forward. Quite often Walcott can be beaten when he is crowded out, so Redknapp will most probably have whoever plays in front Assou-Ekotto tracking back, but Walcott’s real threat is on the break where he can really use his searing pace to exploit gaps left in defences, usually highlighted when the opposition have just taken a corner.
For the first time in a long time, Tottenham, possibly have the stronger side and with their home advantage some will confidently be backing Spurs to win, you have to remember, Arsenal have not lost at White Hart Lane in the League since 1999 and you can be sure the players won’t want to be the ones who loose this record.
Let’s hope the game is as exciting as we all know it can be and that it lives up to it’s potential. My prediction for the score, Arsenal to edge it, by one goal, either 2-1 or 3-2 and yes, that is my biased opinion!