Mikel Arteta jokes that he has no memories of the last time Arsenal played Tottenham Hotpsur at this stage of the season. That night the Gunners were battling for Champions League qualification. This time around the stakes are even bigger.
The Premier League title could be in the offing if Arsenal are able to get three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That's something they've only managed once before though.
It's absolutely crucial that Arteta gets his team selection spot on. Thankfully for him football.london 's Arsenal writers are on hand to decide who they think should start this all important North London Derby.
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The last time we had a North London Derby at this time of the season it was quite the disaster for Arsenal. Things could not be more different this time though as the Gunners are chasing their first league title in 20 years and Spurs are facing a tough task to snatch 4th place from Aston Villa’s clutches.
In the time since Tottenham last played Arsenal have played four games and the latest one, the 5-0 trouncing of Chelsea, seems to be the winning formula in terms of balance. Whilst the Lilywhites may be well rested, at this stage of the season such a break could potentially put them out of rhythm and they may find themselves flat footed despite the grandeur of the occasion.
Mikel Arteta has some easy choices to make in my opinion and I would not change anything from that thrashing in mid-week. Thomas Partey looked at his line-breaking best and allowed Martin Odegaard to drop one of his best performances in an Arsenal
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