Predicting The Arsenal Starting 11 For Their Match Against Tottenham

It's finally come, the first Premier League encounter for the 2010/2011 between to of London's fiercest rivals: Arsenal versus Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp's Tottenham will travel a short distance to the Emirates to attempt to beat the Gunners for the first time at their relatively new stadium.

There has been 164 thrilling meetings since 1909 with Arsenal ahead with 67 wins whilst Tottenham boast 51. There have been 52 draws.

Last season it was Arsenal who dominated the first Premier League encounter with an impressive 3-0 win but when the rivals met for the second encounter of 2009/2010, an injury stricken Arsenal lost 2-1 at White Hart Lane.

The Gunners have already clashed with their arch rivals this campaign having thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in the Carling Cup third round at White Hart Lane. However both sides rested key players opting to give fringe players and bench warmers a rare start.

But come Saturday both sides will be fielding their strongest possible XI as the North London giants contest for not only pride and glory but the ever present bragging rights. Arsenal currently sit in outright second and are enjoying the weight of form with successive away wins against Wolves and Everton.

Whilst Tottenham on the other hand are in seventh, furthermore Spurs only just returned to winning ways last week with a convincing yet fast finishing 4-2 win over Blackburn.

Arsenal manager will be eager to enforce the Gunner's form and home ground advantage alongside reverting back status quo after the shock loss last season. As usual Wenger is enduring the share of injuries however the usual heavy amount has been mitigated proving Arsenal are handling physicality better.

None the less let's predict the starting XI for the Gunners.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first choice keeper Manuel Almunia has returned to full fitness after a niggling elbow injury kept the Spaniard absent since late September. Deputy Lukasz Fabianski however has been immense in Almunia's absence and many feel the Polish shot stopper is now the new Arsenal number one.

Fabianski will sustain his starting spot and will look to increase his worth further. It is unclear out of boom youngster Wojciech Szczensy and Manuel Almunia for who will receive the back up role.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen is yet to fulfil fitness levels after an extremely persistent ankle injury that has kept the Belgium out since August. Laurent Koscienly is still fulfilling his three match suspension regime due to a straight red that the Frenchman received two weeks ago against Newcastle.

This ensures Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou will once again partner one another for the clash. The pair have established an impressive, reliable partnership together thanks to Koscienly and Vermaelen's lack of presence and both will attempt to use their imposing height to contain the Tottenham attack.

Bacary Sagna will start at right back and faces the daunting task of restraining the inform Gareth Bale from attacking. The Frenchman has been strong this season and is regarded as one of the most reliable presences in the Arsenal line up. Whether or not Sagna is capable of stopping Bale from his devastating best will be an interesting watch.

Kieran Gibbs featured for England in their 2-1 loss to France last night which means the English starlet has returned to full fitness after a knee injury sustained last month. However it is unlikely Gibbs will feature ahead of Gael Clichy at left back due to Clichy's experience and form.

Midfielders

Captain Cesc Fabregas was involved in World Champions Spain's shock loss to rivals Portugal. Fortunately for Wenger the Spaniard did no harm to his frail hamstring and should be raring to go against Tottenham. The midfield maestro will start as the right attacking midfielder with Alexandre Song ever present in the defensive midfield role.

Teenage sensation Jack Wilshere looks in doubt for the clash due to a leg injury sustained whilst training with the English national side. Wilshere was forced to pull out of the Three Lions encounter with France and is fighting a battle to be fully fit for Saturday.

Abou Diaby is still nursing an ankle injury and is unlikely to feature however if the lanky Frenchman passes a fitness test then Diaby is a slight chance to make the bench. With Wilshere and Diaby both in doubt Samba star Denilson is certain to start as a left attacking midfielder as well as doubling up as a deep lying play maker.

Aaron Ramsey is still not 100% but will feature for the Arsenal reserves next week.

Forwards

The highly impressive Samir Nasri was outstanding against England for France, epitomizing his current club form. The classy playmaker will start on the right wing and will also drift in and out of the central midfield.

Marouane Chamakh is likely to start ahead of Nicklas Bendtner, despite the imposing Danes comments stating he would leave the club if not given more playing time. Chamakh will lead the front line as the lone striker with Andrei Arshavin on the left wing. Theo Walcott pulled through England's loss to France relatively unscathed and is destined to feature off the bench.

There was talk of Dutch maestro Robin van Persie receiving his first start since returning from an injury sustained in August. The 27 year old featured for Holland in their clash with Turkey and stated he is feeling fit enough to perform at his peak. Furthermore the Dutchman has a great nack of scoring against Spurs with three goals in three encounters.

Substitutes

With seven places on the Arsenal bench, Wojciech Szczensy looks favourite for the keeping role whilst Kieran Gibbs and Emmanuel Eboue the back up defenders. Tomas Rosicky, Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie will be the attackers off the bench.

So the battle of the North London giants, who will succeed?