EPL Preview: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI vs. Tottenhman

Arsenal's English Premier League title aspirations may be considered futile after their disappointing draw with Liverpool, which capped four draws in the Gunners last five games, but there is no denying the absolute importance of the North London derby.

Arsene Wenger's men may have looked lethargic and under-confident in recent weeks, but the encounter with fierce rivals Tottenham will provide a huge energy boost as they aim to regain their pride of North London.

After the humiliation suffered last time around, when Tottenham eclipsed a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in the final stages, Wenger's men will look to eradicate their current demise by beating their rivals and keeping the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the EPL table.

Tottenham boast home ground advantage with the match staged at White Hart Lane which could prove in Harry Redknapp's sides favour. Tottenham have only lost once this season at White Hart Lane, but Arsenal do boast the best away record in the league.

Both sides also boast strong attacks with midfields heavily packed with attacking talent. Spurs will be lacking in confidence though after they were thrashed by Spanish giants Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

However, Arsenal are by no means in form, but one can be certain Wenger will rally his troops for an occasion like this one.

Let's predict Arsenal's starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Boom youngster Wojciech Szczesny returned to the fray against Liverpool after a six-week layoff thanks to a finger injury sustained in the UEFA Champions League. The Polish shot stopper performed strongly against the Reds and is certain to continue his rapid rise against Tottenham.

Veteran Jens Lehman is likely to deputize for Szczesny as Manuel Almunia is unlikely to feature due to a knee complaint, and predominant first choice Lukasz Fabianski is still nursing a season-ending shoulder injury.

Defenders

Wenger is unlikely to enforce changes into his basically fully fit defensive line. Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen, who has not featured since August for the Gunners due to a severe Achilles injury, will miss the derby, but Wenger has been boosted by the chance the Belgium may feature in the final weeks of the season.

This ensures the ever-present partnership of Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny will start in the centre of defensive. Veteran left back Gael Clichy will also feature, however, there are still concerns over PFA right back of the year Bacary Sagna.

The Frenchman hasn't featured in the Gunners last two encounters due to a knee injury and is in doubt for the match. Ivorian Emmanuel Eboue will continue to deputize if necessarry.

French international Sebastien Squillaci and English international will be the substitute defenders.

Midfielders

Wenger has a full-strength midfield at his disposal, which is a rare luxury for the Arsenal manager. Captain Cesc Fabregas is a certain starter alongside renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song.

The remaining midfield position will be contested between PFA Young Player of the Year Jack Wilshere and imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby. Wilshere is likely to succeed.

Diaby will be demoted to the bench whilst Czech play maker Tomas Rosicky, Wales captain Aaron Ramsey and Samba Star Denilson compete for the final midfield substitute position. Ramsey is said to be the favourite.

Forwards

Wenger also boasts a packed forward line but is unlikely to implement changes from the Liverpool stalemate. Dynamo Theo Walcott will continue to start on the right wing whilst PFA midfielder of the year Samir Nasri will start on the left, interchanging into the middle.

The in-form Robin van Persie will take on the lone striker role as the Dutchman aims to uphold his sterling 2011 record of 15 goals in 15 games. However this leaves Russian magician Andrei Arshavin, Danish sharpshooter Nicklas Bendtner and Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh on the substitutes bench.

All are likely to feature as impact players.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Jens Lehman will be the deputy keeper whilst Sebastien Squillaci and Kieran Gibbs are emergency defenders. Abou Diaby and Aaron Ramsey the substitute midfielders whilst Nicklas Bendnter, Marouane Chamakh and Andrei Arshavin are all impact forwards.

There is nothing better than the North London derby, and this is sure to be another superb encounter.