Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview and Live Score: EPL 2009-10

Arsenal is going to host Tottenham Hotspur in a much-awaited North London derby on Saturday (31 October 2009) in the premier league. Both sides are looking to exploit on the opposition’s weak sides and are determined to pick up 3 points. Arsenal and Tottenham had a long history of football rivalry. Whenever they face each other, it adds an additional dimension to their encounter and fans expect some inspirational football from both sides. Last season’s corresponding fixture saw the match being ended up in a 4-4 draw. This time the match is more important because both sides are level on points, though Arsenal takes the 3^rd place on goal difference, and a victory would reduce the gap with leader Chelsea. Overall, the match seems to be full of excitement with both sides looking to win the game at any cost.

Match: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur; English Premier League 2009-10

Date: 31 October 2009

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Kick off: 12:45 GMT

Live TV and Radio: Sky Sports 1, BBC Radio 5 Live

Arsenal lost 2 points last week as they drew 2-2 with another London club West Ham United, even though they were leading 2-0 in the game at one point. However, that frustration must have been diminished after Wednesday’s excellent 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carling Cup. So, Arsenal will be full of confidence while taking on Tottenham before the home crowd.

The good thing is that Arsenal has a number of players back in action and manager Arsene Wenger would now have plenty of players to choose form. It could be a sweet headache for the manager, but this shows that Gunners would have some quality players on the bench and this is really something satisfactory for any manager.

Tottenham Hotspur has been in excellent form since the start of the season. Out of 10 games, Tottenham clinched 6 wins, 3 defeats and a draw and Redknapp’s side are now eyeing on a top four finish this season in what would ensure them a Champions League place next season. It is true that last week’s home defeat at the hands of Stoke City must have cut on their confidence level, but the League Cup victory over Everton in the midweek must have retained some confidence.

The upcoming affair could be a high scoring match as it was last season because both sides have been in excellent scoring form. Arsenal has scored 29 goals, highest in premier league this season, while Tottenham also scored 21 goals.

BBC reported:

The Gunners are the league's top scorers, but they have shipped more goals at this stage than in any other Premier League season, while Spurs have been crashing in goals for fun. All the evidence points to a repeat of last season's epic 4-4 draw - neutrals will have their fingers crossed history repeats itself.

Both sides have some injury woes and a number of regular players on both camps could miss the upcoming North London derby. However, both sides would bring back some of their key players who were rested for the midweek victories in Carling Cup. Arsenal would feature the players like Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin who did not play in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Wednesday in the league cup. Midfielder Samir Nasri, striker Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo survived Wednesday’s league cup test unharmed after recovering from their injuries. So, they would also be Wenger’s mind while taking on the city rivals on Saturday.

Sky Sports reported:

However, Lukas Fabianski is set to be sidelined for around three weeks with a thigh complaint and Theo Walcott (knee), Denilson (back) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) are all still out.

Tomas Rosicky has failed to recover from a knee complaint in time to feature, while Wenger must decide whether to bring back senior goalkeeper Manuel Almunia or keep faith with Vito Mannone.

I think, Wenger could bring back Manuel Almunia for the no. 1 spot as the Spaniard has got over his injury. It is less likely that Arsenal would bring any change in their back line that boasts of Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen and Clichy. Arsenal midfield would definitely feature captain Cesc Fabregas. Eboue, Diaby and Song could play in the midfield, while their attacking line up would have Van Persie and Arshavin.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has also got to deal with some injury problems. Jermain Defoe would miss out the Arsenal trip as he is going to serve the third of his three-match suspension. Roman Pavlyuchenko would also be in the bench and midfielder Luka Modric has not got over his leg fracture. Jonathan Woodgate is uncertain with a head injury sustained in last week’s home loss against Stoke City. Aaron Lennon has not fully recovered from his ankle injury. David Bentley could expect to retain his place in Tottenham’s first team after an excellent performance in the 2-0 league cup victory over Everton recently.

Online Live Score and Updates

Here, I am giving some websites from where you can get the live score and updates of the match:

Live Score

Goal.com

BBC

Goalzz

Arsenal seems to be favorite, given their recent scoring form and home advantage, but Arsene Wenger and his team can not take Tottenham lightly, considering last season’s game at the Emirates Stadium. One thing seems pretty much certain that football fans are going to enjoy an exciting game which will be full of action. As a highly-anticipated derby match, player on both sides would face some problems in holding their nerve. So, both sides would look to win physically as well as psychologically.