A tilt at the Premier League title may be beyond them both, but Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will not give an inch when the North London Derby kicks off at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

The first game of the English top-flight after the final international break of the year is one that is bound to throw up some fireworks for derbies are so much more than mere football matches.

With a number of injuries on both sides, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the clash in the North London in terms of team selection.

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And to complicate matters, the Gunners have a 100 per cent record in the Premier League while the Lilywhites are among the best travellers this season.

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Something has got to give and despite Spurs traditionally losing out when they make the short trip to Arsenal’s home, they hold a slight edge over their rivals, who seem to be in a state of flux.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s display against Manchester City (a 3-1 loss) wasn’t disastrous, but Arsene Wenger’s team selection certainly was and continues to dominate headlines despite it been two weeks since the Etihad tie.

Why didn’t Alexandre Lacazette start against the Citizens? The Frenchman isn’t a toddler and needs to be thrown in the deep end by Arsene Wenger.

With Toby Aldwereireld missing, Spurs look a bit shaky at the back and Lacazette’s pace could pierce the visitors, especially if Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez remember they are still contracted to the Gunners.

The wantaway duo need to fire if the Gunners are to secure bragging rights, but with Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi both doubtful, Wenger has problems of his own at the back.

Young Rob Holding may be brought back into the starting lineup and he is a major weak link for the hosts, as is the ageing Per Mertesacker.

The men tasked with protecting the defence will be Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka. Ramsey in particular, has been impressive of late, but is his Swiss partner up to the task?

Games like these can forge a reputation or destroy one and the jury is still out on him.

Talking Corner: Everybody knows how much I love Arsenal – I became a fan. And to be out here (in front of the Emirates as a statue) celebrating a goal against Tottenham, there’s not much else to say after that. Like I’ve said before, once a Gooner, always a Gooner—Arsenal legend and record goalscorer, Thierry Henry

Injury concerns: Santi Cazorla (Achilles/ankle), Shkodran Mustafi (hamstring), Calum Chambers (hip), Danny Welbeck (groin), David Ospina (groin), Olivier Giroud (unspecified) and Laurent Koscielny (Achilles).

Suspension Alert: None

Tottenham Hotspur

Star players Harry Kane and Dele Alli are doubts for Saturday’s clash, but one gets the feeling the English duo will pass late fitness tests to feature.

Spurs’ injury problem isn’t solved with their attackers, however, for keeper Hugo Lloris is not available and neither is his back-up— Michel Vorm.

So Paulo Gazzaniga is set to get the nod for the second game running and Arsenal will look to exploit the Argentine.

Eric Dier, on the back of captaining the England side to creditable draws against the likes of Germany and England, may be utilised in defence, which would mean Mousa Dembele will tasked with running the show from midfield.

Dembele and Moussa Sissoko make for a powerful pairing in the middle of the park and while it would seem the Lilywhites have the edge in this department, a lot depends on whether star man Kane is firing.

So far, six of his eight goals in the Premier League have come on the road and seeing his stellar record against the Gunners in the past, Mauricio Pochettino will be tempted to start him from the off.

Kane could prove to be the difference between victory and defeat for Spurs on Saturday, for when he fires, his side more often than not secure three points.

Talking Corner: Arsenal have class. I remember when I was at Spurs, the Arsenal players would arrive for matches in their navy blazers with the gold gun emblem sewn into their pockets and grey slacks. We couldn’t match their ground with that beautiful main entrance, marble halls and spiral staircase. Even in 1961 when we won the Double, we were never as big a club as Arsenal—Tottenham Hotspur legend Jimmy Greaves

Injury concerns: Toby Alderweireld (hamstring), Harry Winks (ankle), Erik Lamela (hip), Victor Wanyama (knee), Michel Vorm (knee), Dele Allli (hamstring), Hugo Lloris (groin) and Harry Kane (knee).

Suspension Alert: None

Super Stat: Four of the past five North London Derbies have ended as draws, with Spurs winning the most recent one by a 2-0 margin in April!