Tottenham vs Arsenal preview: 'Never has a north London derby been more important'

FANS' VIEW

Olivier Giroud and Eric Dier have words earlier this season (Getty Images)

Arsenal - Lewis Potton

Never has a North London derby been more important. Arsene Wenger's comments in the press this week will probably have worried some fans, while Alexis Sanchez's admission that the team 'lacks desire' will have sent some to A&E with heart palpitations. In short, we have to beat Spurs to stand any chance of winning the title.

With no Cech and Koscielny due to injury, it's time some of Arsenal's players stood up and took responsibility. Gabriel was shocking in the last two games, so I really hope Wenger shakes things up and brings in Chambers. I'd also like to see Elneny add some bite in midfield too.

The way we are playing at the moment I worry for our chances, but Spurs have never been in this position before so it could play into our hands. Only a win is good enough, but I can't see us getting anything more than a 1-1 draw.

Tottenham - Chris Deeley

Well, this is it. It's the Big One. A North London Derby which, for the first time in a very, very long time indeed, will have a massive impact on the title ambitions of both sides. And Spurs are favourites.

Somehow, Mauricio Pochettino has turned this team into a group who are absolutely at their best in huge games, who can face up to Premier League giants and beat them. Home and away wins against City proved that, as did the way the team outplayed Arsenal at the Emirates.

This Spurs side is the real deal, and Harry Kane could have an absolute field day against David 'Walking Disaster' Ospina in Petr Cech's absence. Arsenal are dangerous - they always are. But even after Wednesday's loss to West Ham, Spurs just have a sense of momentum and grit which Arsenal lack. If ever there was 'The Year', it's this one.

Prediction: Spurs 2-1 Arsenal

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