EPL Preview: Arsenal vs Tottenham

London: With the number of clubs in London itself, there is a derby happening every week in some or the either league, but when it comes to top of the list, Arsenal vs Tottenham rule the roost. The Gunners enter this match at the back of absolute thrashings, both of which have ruled them out of two tournaments (at least virtually, since no one expects them to trounce AC Milan after that 4-0 loss) and a third consecutive loss will considerably dent what is already a rocky ride to Champions League qualification for next season. [caption id=“attachment_223705” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Adebayor will return to his old stomping ground. Reuters”] [/caption] Spurs have won the last three fixtures against Arsenal and they should be able to rub off the remains of their lacklustre performance against Stevenage in the FA Cup to come out all guns blazing against a stuttering, confidence-ridden and desperate Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is also under tremendous pressure and is at a ‘career low’, as ex-player Emanuel Petit mentioned over the week and if his side capitulates against the bitterest of rivals, then it will become very interesting to see whether he remains at the helm of the club in the foreseeable future. Their defensive worries seem to be a perennial problem and the addition of German centre-back Per Mertesacker has not done enough to plug the leaks. He is unavailable for the match, sitting out injured, and so are Sebastien Squillaci and Francis Coquelin. Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta should be chosen to control the middle of the park and it will be a close call between Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Gervinho on either wing. Robin Van Persie…well, they will have to play him, even if he is on one leg. Tottenham have fewer problems to contend with squad-wise. The major decision Harry Redknapp faces is that of either playing one man on top, in which case it would be Emanuel Adebayor or partner him with either Louis Saha or Jermaine Defoe. If he sticks to a 4-5-1, then Luka Modric, Van der Vaart, Scott Parker, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale and Niko Kranjcar all have a chance of playing a role. Arsenal edge Spurs in the goals per match ration, just by a whisker at 2.1 compared to 2.0 but if Van Persie can get some service, he is sure to put them away. Their defence though, needs to close down the wide threat provided by the brilliant Gareth Bale as well as the stunning shot which Rafael Van der Vaart possesses. Three London clubs —- Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are all vying it for a place amongst the elite in Europe and that should be incentive enough to take this match down to the wire. Remember to join Firstpost for live text commentary.