Arsenal should produce something special in the NLD: Preview

     Arsenal battle it out with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in an exciting FA Cup third round clash at The Emirates this Saturday. Two teams, very much in-form, go head-to-head in a fierce tie to go through to the next round in England's most prestigious cup competition. Arsenal on the back off a 2-0 victory vs Cardiff City come into the competition as favourites to advance but Spurs come into the match with an impressive win at Old Trafford under interim manager Tim Sherwood. 

     The two rivals did lock horns earlier in the season, a game which saw Arsenal edge out to a convincing 1-0 win. Throughout football history, the men in red and white have been the mightier to the white half of North London, but when it comes to a derby day, anything is possible. 

     Arsenal stand in a healthier position than Spurs as Arsène Wenger's men sit top of the table. The Gunners have enjoyed a wonderful season which can only go better with the squad that they posses. 

Here is the team news ahead of the clash (via Arsenal.com)

on Bendtner…

What I can tell you is that from the last game we lost Nicklas Bendtner. We don’t know how serious his injury is at the moment because he had a scan yesterday. His scan will be assessed today.

on Giroud…
For the rest, Giroud’s ankle was quite positive yesterday in the test but he was sick overnight so he has a 90 per cent chance of being out. He is in bed today.

on other injuries…
Ozil will have a test later, personally I think he will be short. Gibbs and Ramsey are definitely out.

on Oxlade-Chamberlain…
He is close to being back in full training, next week. It takes a little time to be competitive again.

Since this is an important FA cup tie against a difficult opposition, hopefully Wenger would name a strong XI this Saturday afternoon. 

Wojciech Szczesny would continue in goal despite this being a cup competition. There might be a slight chance that Wenger will put Fabianski in the side but given the form the Pole is in, it will be the best to start him between the sticks. 

The back four could see Carl Jenkinson and Thomas Vermalen come in for Sagna and Mertesacker respectively. Per Mertesacker, who has played almost every game of the season does require a rest and maybe this will be the time he gets it. 

The midfield three will probably remain unchanged from New Year day's clash against Cardiff. Flamini and Arteta will do the holding role with Jack Wilshere in a more advanced position. Wilshere did well in the no.10 role last time out. 

There will be no Giroud or Bendtner to face Spurs so most likely the front three will comprise of Walcott, Podolski and Cazorla with a chance that Serge Gnabry could be given a start on the wing instead of Cazorla.  

This is the big game to watch out for this weekend and a win for Arsenal will be excellent. The stats also favour the Gunners as Arsenal have rarely lost to Spurs at home in their last 30 games. 

COYG.