NLD Preview - Spuds vs Arsenal - Premier League 16.03.14

Our midweek draw with Bayern may or may not have provided the same kind of springboard that vaulted us last year on an epic run to finish, climactically, above Spurs; then again, Spurs' midweek demolition by Benfica looks to have them staggering against the ropes. Coming just days after a meltdown at Stamford Bridge, Spurs players held a two-hour pow-wow to clear the air and, presumably, refocus their energy and attention on upcoming matches. Early results were not promising—to Spurs fans, anyway.

Still, we know all too well the risks of underestimating a beleaguered, battered squad, as we were once one ourselves, and a similar European dressing-down helped to galvanize us—identical score-line, if I'm not mistaken. On top of this, all bets are off and form matters not one whit in a North London Derby. If anything, Spurs may have had one eye on Sunday rather than on Thursday as a redefining moment of the season. For as much glee as we've felt at this end of the NLD, what with the departure of Bale, the addled orgy of spending of more than 100 million quid, beating Spurs twice this season—once to dump them from the FA Cup—and their feckless failure to crack the top four even as Manchester United has sunken slowly towards mid-table, we should remind ourselves that they've lost to two of the more in-form squads in Europe. It's not for nothing that Chelsea look to be the only English club to make progress in international competitions, and Benfica are running rough-shod over the Primeira as well.

What is wrong with Spurs, though? Aside from the usual, I mean. The rumors around Sherwood's losing his job seems to have had a knock-on effect, as players who suspect that he may not last past the end of the season may be tuning him out. However, speculation around a Spurs manager leaving are hardly new, as they've gone through an almost Abramovichian recycling of five managers in six seasons. Unheeded then are his warnings that current players are themselves playing for their futures at the club—which might provide more incentive if staying were a more-desirable option. With Spurs on the verge of crashing out of Europe this season, and clinging tenuously to a top-five position in the Prem, will we be greeted by a dispirited, despondent bunch with nothing to play for, or a desperate, unpredictable one with nothing to lose?

As tempting as it would be to assume the former, we have to go in knowing that Spurs cannot be counted on to simply roll over for us. As poor as they've been, especially at White Hart Lane, we know that we need all three points if we hope to keep our Prem title-tilt alive (and to knock Spurs out of European competition, if I may be so bold). A loss or a draw would all but hand the Prem to Chelsea, whose grubby little fingers are already getting the trophy all smudged and grimy. It is therefore vital for the sake of St. Totteringham's Day, if not for the good of football itself, that we go in and win.

LAST 3 Meetings

• Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham (04.01.2014)
• Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham (01.09.2013)
• Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal (03.03.2013)

FACTFILE

• Arsenal have not won at White Hart Lane since September 2010.
• Emmanuel Adebayor has scored more goals in the NLD than any other player (10).
• Tottenham have made more errors leading to goals than any other Prem team (13).

INJURIES

Yes, Walcott (knee), Diaby (knee), and Wilshere (ankle) are still out. They're joined on the sidelines by Özil (hamstring), and Ramsey. Bendtner (knee, not to mention brain), Sanogo (ankle), and Gibbs (ankle) face late fitness tests. Monreal and Källström look to be available.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI

There's too much at stake here and not enough confidence or determination on their side, not with Arsenal hoping to keep pace with Chelsea and put more space between us and Spurs.

GOONERSPHERE PREDICTION

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal

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