Continuing our '60 seconds on...' preview feature, where we take a closer look at our next opponents with the people who watch them week in, week out.
Next up, it's the first north London derby of the campaign as we travel to the Emirates on Sunday for a 4.30pm kick-off in the Premier League.
To preview the match, we've called on the services of James McNicholas, who has covered Arsenal extensively for more than a decade, writing for ESPN, Bleacher Report and FourFourTwo Magazine. He's also co-host of the Arsecast Extra Podcast.
First up, what’s the feeling around N5 ahead of this latest derby?
James: “I think as ever there's a lot of excitement, anticipation and probably even a bit of anxiety among the Arsenal fans about the north London derby. It's always a big game, but I think particularly in a season which has started so well for Arsenal and which promises so much, there's an awareness that this is going to be a really big occasion and one that could have significant ramifications for Arsenal's hopes of finally ending a wait to win another Premier League. It's also a north London derby against Tottenham with a new manager, which brings with it new challenges, such as seeing if his name fits the scansion of certain Arsenal chants. It's been a bit of a different Spurs this year, in some respects, so there's an element of the unknown there too for Arsenal fans.”
Injuries have been stacking up for both teams - how much will Arsenal miss Gabriel?
James: “Injuries are dominating Arsenal's preparation, just as they are with Spurs. I think Arsenal fans are obviously very preoccupied with their own injury situation but take a look at what's happening at the other end of the Seven Sisters Road and they'll see this is a north London problem and not just an Arsenal problem. As for Gabriel, it's a really big blow. He has been one of Arsenal's star performers this season. He's been so good in both penalty boxes that I think he'll definitely be a big miss. Arsenal have the defensive depth to cover for his absence, but he has certain special qualities as a leader and as an aerial threat that will be difficult to replace. The one consolation for Arsenal fans is that they have suffered a number of significant injuries this season and managed to maintain form. They have real strength and depth all through the squad and, until now, they have managed to find solutions when faced with the absence of key players.”
Have you seen anything different tactically from Mikel Arteta this season?
James: “Yes, there have been some tactical tweaks from Mikel Arteta this season. Like the rest of the Premier League, there's been a huge emphasis on set-pieces. That may feel nothing new at Arsenal, but I think it's been even stronger this year. Structurally, there's been a bit of a change in the team. Declan Rice has sat a little deeper at times next to Martin Zubimendi. They've been operating almost like a midfield two. That's given Arsenal a really strong foundation. We've also seen Arsenal playing with more of a conventional number nine in Victor Gyokeres, but he may be missing on Sunday, depending on how well he recovers from the muscular injury he picked up against Burnley before the international break.”
Who would you pick out as Arsenal’s ‘one to watch’?
James: “When thinking of Arsenal's one to watch, you might assume I'd go for a big name such as Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka. I'm actually going to go a bit left field and pick Leandro Trossard. He's been in superb form of late, playing off the left-hand side, and he's needed to be with Arsenal missing a number of attacking players. He brings a bit of individual quality and unpredictability to the Arsenal attack and he has a habit of scoring big goals in big games, so I'm tipping him to make an impact on Sunday.”
You’ve seen plenty of derbies - how would you describe the atmosphere around the NLD?
James: “Volatile! It's always a heated occasion and with Arsenal going for glory in the Premier League and Spurs presumably desperate to stop them, I don't think this will be any exception. Even though both teams could be depleted by injury, you can guarantee all 22 players on the pitch will be giving absolutely everything to bring home a result for their fans. I'd expect to see that intensity matched in the stands, too!”
Finally, Arsenal are unbeaten at home, Spurs unbeaten away - how do you think this plays out?
James: “How will this one play out? With Arsenal being at home and in such strong form, I'm going to go for a win for a Mikel Arteta's team. Arsenal have got a really tough week coming up with fixtures against Bayern Munich - including a reunion with Harry Kane - and then away to Chelsea next weekend. I think that difficult run of games makes this one where Arsenal need to get off to a good start. I believe they will have enough. I'm going to go for Arsenal.”
Last time at the Emirates...