EPL: Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Arsenal FC
-
*ahem**ahem*
-
we cannot slip up cos liverpool will surely beat portsmouth and chelski will also likely to beat blackburn since they're playing at stamford biatch.
-
spurs 1
ars 2
-
Arsène Wenger has only Bacary Sagna back from injury for the North London derby on Saturday.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon the Arsenal manager ruled out William Gallas (groin), Philippe Senderos (suspended), Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) and Jens Lehmann (elbow). That means Gilberto is likely to fill-in at centre back if the Brazilian comes back unscathed from his long trips over international week.
“Bacary Sagna is available again,” said Wenger. “He still has some pain but he should be OK if needed.
“However we won't have William Gallas available because it is too early for him. He could not play for France and will not be available for us. Of course, Philippe Senderos suspended for one game. Emmanuel Eboue is still out too. He has not recovered from his ankle injury.
“Jens Lehmann pulled out of the second German game. His elbow has blown up, it is bad bruising so we have to be patient with him.”
The injuries mean Kolo Toure is the only fit and established central defender in his squad.
“The centre half position?” said Wenger. “Gilberto is available I hope because he has played in that position recently. Then we will see. After that I have Alex Song who has played in this position and Justin Hoyte too.”
i will laugh if AW palys song or hoyte i nthe CB. i prefer diarra. -
*Tottenham v Arsenal preview*
Saturday's 141st North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will be a fiercely contested encounter, and Spurs could see the match as a huge opportunity to get their season up and running.
The Gunners have started the 2007/2008 campaign in fine form, winning three of their four Premier League matches, Tottenham on the other hand have stumbled, managing just one victory in five.
With Spurs' lavish summer spending having promised much, with over £40million splashed out on players, Martin Jol has been hit with weighty expectations.
A stuttering start resulted in calls for the manager's head, but after vocal support from the board, his job now seems safe.
Jol would love nothing more than to turn the season on its head with a victory at White Hart Lane, a feat that has not been achieved since 1999.
At the back Tottenham need to improve, and fast, with only three clean sheets in 33 league matches. The three goals conceded at Fulham was a timely reminder of their frailties.
Captain's absence
The prolonged absence of captain Ledley King has been a major blow to Jol's side, and French youngster Younes Kaboul will continue to partner Michael Dawson in defence.
The Dutchman has, though, been boosted by the return to fitness of rapid winger Aaron Lennon, who could slot in at right midfield.
Paul Robinson should be high on confidence after consecutive clean sheets for England, while Pascal Chimbonda and Lee Young-Pyo are likely to occupy the full-back positions.
Jol faces a key decision with regards to who starts alongside Jermaine Jenas in the centre of midfield, Didier Zokora should be given the nod to provide a bit of defensive cover, but the colossal Tom Huddlestone could add some muscle.
The in-form Gareth Bale is likely to continue on the left flank, while Robbie Keane looks set to continue his partnership with the outstanding Dimitar Berbatov, despite Darren Bent's return from injury.
Versatile Brazilian
Arsenal have four players unavailable for the clash. Jens Lehman is out (elbow) so Manuel Almunia will make his fourth consecutive start.
The Gunners have problems at centre-back, Philippe Senderos is suspended and William Gallas is not quite ready, meaning Gilberto Silva should fill in alongside Kolo Toure.
The Brazilian will only return from international duty on Friday, so Alex Song and Justin Hoyte are on standby.
The impressive Bacary Sagna is back from injury and should return to the starting XI, but Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) is out.
Arsene Wenger has a plethora of central midfielders to choose from to partner Cesc Fabregas in the middle, but Abou Diaby or Mathieu Flamini look the most likely candidates to get the nod.
Tomas Rosicky and Alexander Hleb will start out wide, but Wenger faces a decision of who to partner Robin van Persie with upfront.
The powerful Emmanuel Adebayor and clinical Eduardo Da Silva will be vying for starts, and it will be vital that the Frenchman goes with the best suited combination up top. -
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is in contention to return after recovering from knee surgery.
Darren Bent (thigh), Anthony Gardner (thigh) and Michael Dawson (ankle) are also in the squad but Ledley King (knee) remains on the sidelines.
Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia will start ahead of Jens Lehmann (elbow).
Lassana Diarra may make his debut, but Philippe Senderos (suspended), William Gallas (groin) and Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) are out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Lee, Gardner, Rocha, Dawson, Kaboul, Bale, Malbranque, Huddlestone, Jenas, Keane, Defoe, Berbatov, Zokora, Taarabt, Bent, Lennon.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Gilberto, Toure, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Diaby, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Eduardo, Flamini, Walcott, Diarra, Song, Hoyte, Bendtner. -
F**k..
Tottenham 1 (Gareth Bale 15')
Arsenal 0 -
half time:
Tottenham 1 (G Bale 15')
Arsenal 0 -
did bale score from a freekick?
read that he's quite good at that. -
Direct free-kicks..Originally posted by stellazio:did bale score from a freekick?
read that he's quite good at that.
Damm "lucky"..
-
lucky or not , its still a goal
-
of course direct free kicks la.Originally posted by turbo_drift:Direct free-kicks..
Damm "lucky"..
indirect freekicks are harder to score.
-
Originally posted by stellazio:of course direct free kicks la.
indirect freekicks are harder to score. 
-
difficult to score or not , its still a goal... no doubt..
-
2nd half starts...
-
Tomas Rosicky midfielder replaces Vasiriki Abou Diaby.
-
GOAL! ADEBAYOR!
-
YAY!! Adebayor scored..
-
he really loves to score against sp*rs
-
ho say liao 1-2
-
Fab the man
-
FABREGAS!!!!!!!
-
can always count on him to the rescueOriginally posted by felirox:FABREGAS!!!!!!! -
seems to be the case, spurs always score first then arsenal come back.
-
1 - 3!