The 147th incarnation of the North London Derby is set to be played tomorrow, and looks as delightful a fixture as ever. Arsenal heads into the weekend clash with full confidence at second place in the table, while struggling Tottenham looks to replicate its wonderful Champion’s League form domestically after having struggled at the Reebok before the International Break. Not having won on Gunner's soil since 1993, Spurs look to take three full points after its valuable win back in April at White Hart Lane when the clubs last met.
Tottenham has been spewing goals out of the back as of late, and hope to keep its first clean sheet since the goalless draw at Manchester City on opening day. Spurs received great news this week; their star striker, Jermain Defoe, has returned to training a month ahead of schedule after a nasty ankle ligament injury, and looks to feature heavily. One of the more interesting storylines of the Derby is William Gallas’ first return to the Emirates after having been released by Arsenal during the summer transfer window. Arsene Wenger has urged the Gooners to give the former captain the respect he deserves. Gallas turned down a contract at Arsenal to join Tottenham. Former Arsenal legend Sol Campbell did the opposite; he rejected a contract renewal from Tottenham to cross over to Arsenal instead. In form Gareth Bale seems to be the decisive factor in the fixture; if he can out-pace Bacary Sagna the way he did Maicon merely a month ago at White Hart Lane, Arsenal is in trouble. It has been 68 league fixtures since Spurs last won away to one of the “big four,” and this weekend is an invaluable chance to put pressure on City in the race for the fourth Champion’s League spot.
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