Match preview: The Derby is Upon us.

And so just 3 games into the season one of the most important fixtures in the calender if you are a Gooner, the North London Derby is now upon us. A mixture of excitement and Anxiety always grips me every time these games come along. In the past, it was because games between both teams were always tight and never based on current form, making them very difficult to predict. The same goes with this season's. Spurs have begun rather efficiently if not spectacularly, with a defensive resoluteness not often identifiable with them. Their season stats of 2 games played, 6 points, no goal conceded is not to shabby by all parameters. Even though its nothing to roll-out the drums for especially so early in the season. Still, it is a sign that they mean business and would be looking to preserve this decent start. Speaking of Business, transfer business that is- Spurs have also demonstrated a bullish approach that has left the watching public split between admiration and envy. No less than 6  new signings, provides a fulcrum and depth that can rival those of any of the top 3 teams in the EPL. So yeah, they've sure gotten everyone's attention you might say.

On paper, especially with our  inability to strengthen our ranks, many will say that puts them in a clear advantage over us. Coupled with the fact that we have already tasted defeat inside our first two fixtures (at home to Villa) its easy to guess which of the two fans are the ones unsure going into this. But we are not without our Aces.We can be said to have the more cohesive first 11, seeing that the core of the personnel that navigated crucial games last season are still with us. No key player was sold or is agitating to go. They on the other hand, have shipped in tons of individual talents all at once and therefore face the task of blending that motley crew  into some kind of killer team. In addition, its worth nothing that Crystal palace and Swansea the two teams spurs have earned their maximum points against aren't exactly world beaters (All due respect to them) and in Arsenal would be facing their first real test of the season.

So it all sets up to be an interesting afternoon for both fans and neutrals alike come kick off.  The last two fixtures played at the Emirates have ended in 5-2 scorelines in favor of Arsenal. Now much as i would love another encore of that scoreline, it doesn't look likely. We've been spoilt twice in a row and i envisage we will be in for a tough encounter tomorrow. In terms of who we may line-up, our squad is now so predictable, that at this stage even a 5-yr old fan would guess almost  with 100% accuracy those we will field. The only change we may see, is the return of Koscielny. Who after a weeks' rest may be drafted in to resume his Central defensive duties while Sagna moves back to his default right-back position. It would have been nice to have a brand new shiny striker of our own to boast of even if he starts from the bench. But as it is, there won't be any, meaning  it'll be up to Giroud ,Walcott and the others to inflict maximum hurt on Tottenham. The defense should enjoy much better protection this time with the presence of Flamini in the team, compared to the Aston Villa game. For dynamism and balance, i'd opt for the Ramsey,Carzola, Flamini Midfield triumvirate with Jack and Rosicky on the Bench. In my mind, that offers the perfect mix of creativity, hardwork and defensive graft we will need to come out unscathed. Against Aston Villa we were constantly exposed in mid-feild on counter attacks. Such we cannot afford against a team like Spurs. So in conclusion, it really could go either way, but here's hoping it goes our way and we can go into the international break on a high. C'MON ARSENAL!