Monday, March 4, 2013

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal: match preview - Telegraph.co.uk

Tottenham (Possible, 4-4-2): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Gallas, Naughton; Lennon, Dembélé, Parker, Bale; Defoe, Adebayor.Out: Huddlestone, Kaboul, Sandro (all knee), Dempsey (calf).

Arsenal (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal; Arteta, Ramsey; Walcott, Wilshere, Cazorla; Giroud.Out: Gibbs (thigh), Sagna (knee).Test: Diaby (calf).

Team NewsTottenham striker Jermain Defoe has recovered from an ankle injury and is in contention for Sunday's north London derby.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas must decide whether to start the striker or risk Emmanuel Adebayor, who was sent off afer 18 minutes of the reverse fixture in November.

Younes Kaboul, Sandro and Tom Huddlestone are all absent with knee injuries while Clint Dempsey is also missing due to a calf problem.

Arsenal unexpectedly won 5-2 and, from a once 10-point deficit, overhauled Tottenham and again qualified for the Champions League.

Gareth Bale is having the influence for Tottenham that Robin van Persie achieved last season for Arsenal and, under Andre Villas-Boas, there is a heightened resilience and gathering momentum.

Stat of the game: Both teams play their 800th game in the Premier League. In the previous 799, Spurs have won 309 while Arsenal boast 428 victories.

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