Arsenal dare not lose this one. After the outcry that followed the home defeat to Aston Villa, the wrong result here would lead to meltdowns. Arsène Wenger's team has stabilised with wins over Fenerbahce and Fulham but Tottenham represent a tough proposition. There is form and momentum behind them, fired in no small measure by their lavish summer transfer spend. The loss of Gareth Bale has not brought doom and gloom. It is Arsenal who are desperate for a tonic. David Hytner

Kick-off Sunday 4pm

Venue Emirates Stadium

Last season Arsenal 5 Spurs 2

Live Sky Sports 1

Referee M Oliver

This season G1, Y2, R0, 2.00 cards per game

Odds H 11-10 A 11-5 D 13-5

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Arsenal

Subs from Fabianski, Martinez, Jenkinson, Monreal, Miquel, Frimpong, Flamini, Zelalem, Gnabry, Miyaichi, Sanogo, Akpom Doubtful None

Injured Arteta (thigh, Sep), Vermaelen (back, Sep), Ox-Chamberlain (knee, Nov), Podolski (hamstring, Nov), Diaby (knee, Mar) Suspended None

Form guide (last six games) WLWWWD

Disciplinary record Y5 R1

Leading scorer Giroud, Podolski 2

Tottenham

Subs from Friedel, Gomes, Naughton, Dawson, Lennon, Adebayor, Assou-Ekotto, Fryers, Chiriches, Sandro, Sigurdsson, Holtby, Carroll, Lamela, Defoe

Doubtful Assou-Ekotto (abdominal), Adebayor (match fitness), Lennon (foot)

Injured None Suspended None

Form guide (last six games) WWWWDW

Disciplinary record Y1 R0

Leading scorer Soldado 2