Apparently it's my turn to write something, so I will give my completely unbiased view on Sunday's north London derby--that is, Arsenal at White Hart Lane.
Spurs are garbage. They're coming into this game with one win in eight (in the league), their only victory at home against Stoke.
Spurs did bolster all parts though, with Cudicini, Chimbonda, Palacios, Keane and Defoe.
I'm not quite sure Palacios will be eligible to play sunday. He actually wasn't allowed to play against Bolton, yet, he did. Not sure what's going to happen there.
First, I feel scoring goals will still be Spurs' problem. They've been shut out four times in their last eight games, only scoring two or more in two, and, with Defoe now injured, Darren Bent and Robbie Keane must shoulder the burden of scoring. Granted, Bent has done a decent job carrying this weight, having scored over a third of Spurs' league goals. But... it's Darren Bent. Please. Keane's form, as Liverpool can attest, has been disappointing. Also, neither striker has the height to really take advantage of Arsenal's primary defensive weakness (heading).
Spurs' defense isn't as entertainingly bad as it once was, but it still isn't good. Adebayor has a fantastic scoring record against Spurs, and I suspect he'll rediscover some form this game, while van Persie has been on fire. Hopefully Arshavin will get 20 minutes, probably on the right, to rip Assou-Ekotto apart.
I suspect with another midfield nightmare on Arsenal's part (Eboue, Denilson, Diaby, Nasri) Spurs might gain some advantage (note: I doubt Arshavin will start--he hasn't played a competitive game in awhile as the Russian league plays during the summer). But in all honesty, Spurs' midfield doesn't hold enough quality to dominate a game (Lennon and Modric are good, unless Diaby eats them. delicious). Also, for once, Arsenal might have a physically larger midfield, unless Huddlestone plays.
I guess the primary reason why Arsenal will have the upper hand, other than Tottenham's absolute lack of quality, is because Spurs won't pack the midfield and, prompted by their fans and what little pride they have, will attack. And that's the type of game in which Arsenal shine.
I think the score will be 3-1 to the gunners, Ade scoring at least one, Spurs scoring the first or second goal of the match.
But then again, it is a derby. who knows what will happen.
While Arsenal play poorly, my only comfort is to make fun of spurs. Sorry.
