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In the last few seasons, this second NLD was more or less played just for pride - Arsenal were usually out of all the competitions they were in, as were Spurs. This year, though, Arsenal are still in the FA Cup and still, despite everyone's protestations otherwise, in with a shout at the title - a small shout, sure, but it can't be ruled out just yet. So, in addition to the normal neighborhood bragging rights/setting right all with the world/hastening of St. Totteringham's Day that this fixture usually provides, Arsenal absolutely have something bigger to play for today.
Three points will keep them within touching distance of the leaders, and a win also puts Spurs nine points back of that elusive Top Club Club; both of those are desirable outcomes, and I like a good desirable outcome. So, Arsenal, let's take advantage of the mess that is the Tim Sherwood era and do what you're capable of doing, OK?
GONNA PUT MY ADMIN HAT ON FOR A MINUTE:
I shouldn't have to remind everyone here of this, but here's a gentle reminder of the rules here: If Arsenal win, do not go troll over at CFC. If you troll there, we will consider it trolling here and will ban you. Be cool.
LINEUPS:
#Arsenal team to play Spurs: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Arteta, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski, Cazorla, Giroud
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 16, 2014
#Arsenal subs: Fabianski, Monreal, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Flamini, Gnabry Sanogo #THFCvAFC
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 16, 2014
Our team today: Lloris; Naughton, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Rose; Sandro; Townsend, Bentaleb, Eriksen, Chadli; Adebayor. #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 16, 2014
And our subs this afternoon: Friedel, Walker, Lennon, Paulinho, Sigurdsson, Kane, Soldado.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 16, 2014