The Gameweek begins with a corker, with the Emirates paying host to a North London derby that promises much. Fantasy managers have plenty of interest in the game, with a slew of other big-hitters to come as the day progresses. Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open to catch all the emotion of the day’s events in real-time.
The team news from the Emirates is of interest. Wojciech Szczesny returns from an ankle problem to relegate Vito Mannone to the bench, while Olivier Giroud, Mikel Arteta and Theo Walcott are all fit to start, as is Bacary Sagna at right-back despite being a “big doubt” according to Arsene Wenger. Jack Wilshere returns from a ban to settle into the midfield, so Francis Coquelin drops to the bench. He’s joined there by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who shakes off a recent injury to be in contention.
The Spurs lineup looks attacking to say the least. Both Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe start for the visitors, with Clint Dempsey dropping to the bench as Andre Villas-Boas looks to be fielding a more conventional 4-4-2. Hugo Lloris comes in for Brad Friedel in goal for only his second league start – a rather strange move, perhaps. Steven Caulker is also disappointed: he scored his first international goal in the week but also picked up a knock according to various sources and therefore sits out today. The Spurs boss goes with Kyle Naughton at left-back with Jan Vertonghen returning to his centre-back role alongside William Gallas.
Arsenal Starting XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Arteta, Cazorla, Wilshere, Walcott, Giroud, Podolski.
Tottenham Starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Gallas, Naughton, Huddlestone, Sandro, Lennon, Bale, Defoe, Adebayor.
