It’s Them And It Must Be Our Day

Let’s set the tone early here. Tottenham have only won two of their 27 Premier League away matches versus The Arsenal. There are rumblings that all is not well in the Middlesex camp. Forgive me if I plead with Unai Emery to throw the kitchen sink at them on Sunday afternoon.

The loss of Nacho Monreal (good luck with Sociedad, Nacho, and thank you for being a Gunner) means promotion for Sead Kolasinac, one would imagine. The pairing in front of the back four (please Unai) will be interesting. Matteo Guendouzi has looked an improved player in the early matches, Lucas Torreira looks eager and refreshed, but Granit Xhaka is one of the five captains. I suspect the latter pairing may win out.

Although Mesut Ozil is available for the first time this season it would be harsh for him to displace Dani Ceballos in such a game, although in his favour he does know what to expect from the North London derby. What would be really good to see is a full array of attacking talent in Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

As well as Nacho we have seen Mohamed Elneny depart on loan to Besiktas and we wish him all the best on his travels too.

Whilst we have our obvious injury problems the neighbours too are affected. Walker-Peters, Foyth, Ndombele and Sessegnon are ruled out. Dier and the loathsome Alli will be tested beforehand. Their biggest issue will be whether to start Eriksen, a player clearly unhappy and looking to leave before the European transfer window shuts.

Much may depend on our new faces. David Luiz must understand the depth of feeling involved and I hope he doesn’t give the referee a decision to make about his participation in the contest. Ceballos and Pepe have hopefully been prepared for what the match and atmosphere will be.

The ‘holic pound

Of course THE derby can throw form out of the window. Hackles will be raised. Yet the omens are all in our favour. I have but one slight concern. When you are leading 2-1 at home to Burnley and your two best players are taken off to protect the lead you can ride it out. Get 2-1 up on Sunday and go for the throat please Unai. Middlesex have players who would love to snatch a late equaliser in such circumstances.

I’m praying with a front three we could do just that so I am on 3-1 to The Gunners at 17/1.

The ABW preview

Here it is, thanks Danny.