Theo Walcott has been passed fit but we are still waiting to hear if Gervinho will be passed fit, I am hoping that it is mind games from Arsene Wenger just to keep Redknapp thinking. If we are to do well then I truly expect Gervinho to be the player to cause them the most amount of damage. If we have to start the game without Song in midfield and Arshavin on the left then I would worry about our

I took my son to football training yesterday and we wore our Arsenal shirts, it was early on Saturday morning so not many people were around. Our journey only lasted 30 minutes but during that time I was approached on three separate occasions by Tottenham fans all telling me that they would beat us 3-1. Who was asking for their opinion? and not only that but why did they all have that score line in their heads?

I wanted us to win badly before yesterday and now I want it much more. It has occurred to me that a Tottenham victory over Arsenal is their whole season, it is almost their only concern and we cannot allow them to take any satisfaction from us.

Opposition

Tottenham had the better of us last season and they are currently full of confidence after a 4-0 victory over nine men Liverpool and a victory against Shamrock Rovers. The game has extra spice attached with former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor playing for the side who he scored frequently against whilst wearing the red and white of Arsenal.

Goalkeeper & Defence

I was hoping that Laurent Koscielny would be available for selection but he has not made it which not only means that we lose his defensive recovery but we also miss the presence of Alex Song in midfield. Wenger is likely to start Kieran Gibbs over the impressive Santos due to the Englishman’s experience in these types of fixture.

Midfield

Alex Song will have to be replaced in the heart of the Arsenal midfield. Emmanuel Frimpong will more than likely get the nod over Francis Coquelin. Mikel Arteta will be experiencing his first London derby but will know exactly what is required after having taken part in many Liverpool v Everton games over the years.

Attack

Theo Walcott has been passed fit but we are still waiting to hear if Gervinho will make it, I am hoping that it is mind games from Arsene Wenger just to keep Redknapp thinking. If we are to do well then I truly expect Gervinho to be the player to cause them the most amount of damage. If we have to start the game without Song in midfield and Arshavin on the left then I would worry about our chances. If the Gervinho that took apart Udinese turns up then the big spaces could suit the powerful running of the Ivorian.

van Persie will be instrumental in moving off the front and allowing spaces in behind for our wide men to exploit. I expect that to be our greatest chance of scoring goals this afternoon.

Injuries

Our injury problems do not seem to be getting much better right now.

Injured List:

Abou Diaby, Thomas Vermaelen, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny, Ignasi Miquel, Gervinho?

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

This is a big game, not only because it is a derby but the rewards of victory could be huge. On the other side, a defeat would be a massive set back to a side that is desperately in need of confidence gained from momentum. Last season we started the game fantastically well and dominated the possession, we need to stamp our game on them as quickly as possible. If we can do that and move the ball quickly then we can hurt them in the final third. Frimpong will have to be disciplined yet committed and our defence will have plenty of tests.

I hope we can shove all the Tottenham excitement where the sun doesn’t shine. A victory could really catapult our season and the players should fight with everything they have to make this chance possible.

COYG