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Here we go. The first North London Derby of the 2017/18 season, and at stake is the first edition of the Narrative Cup. If Tottenham win, they’re the ascendant team with the world at their feet, despite having zero trophies to show for their hard work, and if Arsenal lose, it’s another nail in the coffin of the club once known as the best team in London. Or something like that.
In reality, it’s more nuanced than that. Spurs are playing well right now, Arsenal are...playing. They’re not bad, they’re not on their way to being relegated, but a glance at the two teams would definitely lead you to believe that Spurs will win this game. But it’s at the Emirates. And Arsene, for all his faults, gets this rivalry. As do most of the players. So while it’s trite to say “form goes out the window”, it kinda does - there’s bragging rights at stake here, and I want to be able to brag please.
ADMIN NOTE: It is a long-standing rule, both here at at Cartilage Free, that if one of our commenters goes there and trolls, that person gets banned both there and here, and we do the same with their commenters. Don’t be that person. Whether we are celebrating a win, commiserating over a loss, or whatever-emotioning a draw, keep it in house, please.
WHAT: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
WHERE: Emirates Stadium, London
WHEN: Saturday, November 18, 12:30 PM GMT | 7:30 AM EST | 4:30 AM PST
WATCH: NBCSN
Outside of the US, check out livesoccer.tv. Please do not share any illegal streams here.
LINEUPS:
Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Lacazette
Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Maitland-Niles, Coquelin, Wilshere, Iwobi, Welbeck
Tottenham: Lloris, Trippier, Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies, Dembele, Sissoko, Eriksen, Dele, Kane
Subs: Vorm, Winks, Aurier, Walker-Peters, Foyth, Son, Llorente