Friday, 5 April 2013

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

Referee: Howard Webb. Matches 7, R1 Y30.

Stat of the game: The last four league games between these teams at the Emirates have produced 23 goals.

Team News Arsenal will assess the fitness of several first-team players. They include striker Olivier Giroud (hamstring/calf) and winger Theo Walcott (buttock muscle). Midfielder Mikel Arteta (hip) is another causing concern, along with full-back Bacary Sagna (leg), but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is close to a comeback from his ankle problem and could be included in the team for the first time since September. Midfielder Jack Wilshere will be available again after suspension.

Winger Gervinho (ankle), defender Kieran Gibbs (thigh), midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) and Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) all continue rehabilitation.

Tottenham playmaker Mousa Dembele is out with a hip injury. Aaron Lennon has recovered from a hamstring injury, and Jermain Defoe and Kyle Walker, who also had hamstring complaints, should be fit to play.

Long-term absentees Scott Parker (Achilles), Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul (both knee) remain sidelined.

Match Notes Arsenal fans are unlikely to be too concerned if Spurs take the lead in the 169th north London derby on Saturday lunchtime. In this corresponding fixture last season, Spurs went two goals up early on yet lost 5-2 as Theo Walcott inspired a stunning season-defining comeback. Spurs, by their own admission, are after revenge and Emmanuel Adebayor will certainly want to prove something against his old club. Should be a typically close, tense affair. Bob Williams

Betting: Home Evens, Away 5-2, Draw 11-5.

Bob Williams' prediction: Arsenal 2 Tottenham Hotspur 2.

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