Central defender Laurent Koscielny is back in contention having completed his two-match suspension, imposed after collecting his second red card of the season towards the end of Arsenal’s last home game, the 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United.
Young midfielder Jack Wilshere, who missed England’s midweek friendly thanks to a back injury sustained during the win at Everton last Sunday, faces a fitness test but is hopeful of making the north London derby.
Also facing fitness tests after the midweek internationals are Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky.
Tight match! I hope Tottenham wins this one. For some reason I have started to like Van der Vaart... I guess I must have a virus on my brain or something going on- but I do like him and the way he plays.