Arsenal host Tottenham on Saturday in the first north London derby of the season and with both sides in need of three points to boost their Premier League title hopes.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side make the short journey on the back of victories over Real Madrid and Crystal Palace before the international break, while the Gunners lost at Manchester City.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at the main talking points ahead of the meeting.
Wenger needs a win against the big boys
What’s the manager’s message to the fans ahead of #AFCvTHFC?
“Just to support the team and stand with us for the 90 minutes”#WeAreTheArsenal? pic.twitter.com/GQM6lFfcVr
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 16, 2017
Arsenal lost heavily at Liverpool in August before their 3-1 reverse at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, and Arsene Wenger will be eyeing victory over a fellow top-six side.
They showed their mettle to earn a goalless draw at Chelsea in September but questions remain about their credentials against their rivals.
Wenger will be wanting a performance similar to the one his side produced to beat Chelsea 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium 14 months ago to answer some of his critics and fire his side back into the fight for the top four.
Good and bad news for Spurs on the injury front
TEAM NEWS: @dele_official (hamstring), @HKane (knee), Hugo Lloris (groin), @Vorm_Official (knee) & @HarryWinks (ankle) have returned to full training for the first time today. pic.twitter.com/oToz78juGt
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 16, 2017
A trio of Spurs players missed England’s two friendlies over the international break through injury but Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Harry Winks were all welcomed back to training on Thursday.
Captain Hugo Lloris also missed the France games but the goalkeeper is expected to return in time to line up against Arsenal.
However, they have been dealt a blow after Pochettino confirmed on Thursday that a hamstring injury would keep defender Toby Alderweireld out until the new year.
Wenger needs to show his trust in Lacazette
Time for Pochettino to end barren spell across town
The Spurs boss also needs to improve his overall away record
Some of the key things to look out for this weekend… pic.twitter.com/jj3FSRavmk
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 16, 2017
Since taking charge at Tottenham in the summer of 2014, Pochettino has only tasted victory once at the home of a top-six rival.
He is winless at Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea and his solitary away victory came with a 2-1 win at Manchester City in 2016.
While there have been plenty of plaudits for Pochettino’s side in recent years – as well as some impressive home results against the same opposition – there remain questions over Tottenham’s ability to beat the big boys in their own back yard.
