Arsenal handed triple Premier League boost – the North London Derby has become even more important now

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Arsenal are set for a run of crucial fixtures that could determine whether Mikel Arteta can break the club’s five-year trophy drought.

Arsenal begin their vital run with a game that doesn’t get any bigger against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

Arsenal have enjoyed great moments against Tottenham and will be boosted going into the game knowing they are unbeaten in their last five encounters.

Chris Sutton believes Arsenal will win as Tottenham’s high line could prove fruitful for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Raheem Sterling, who are expected to start in the absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Mikel Arteta will also be buoyed by Premier League results before Arsenal’s showdown with Spurs with other teams in the title race giving the Gunners some much-needed encouragement.

READ MORE: Raheem Sterling could be Arsenal’s lucky charm vs Tottenham for one reason – Arteta must take advantage

Arsenal’s title rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all drop points

Arsenal were handed a major opportunity to make up some ground in the title race without having to kick a ball following the latest set of Premier League results.

Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest moved above the Gunners into second place ahead having played a game more.

Bournemouth almost snatched three points at Stamford Bridge before a late Reece James free kick rescued a point for Chelsea.

Manchester City’s defensive struggles continued having let a two goal lead slip to draw away at Brentford. All this means that should Arsenal pick up three points against Spurs, they would move to within four points of leaders Liverpool and give themselves an eight point cushion over City.

Arsenal team news ahead of Spurs clash

Arsenal were rocked in the build-up to the game with news that Gabriel Jesus has ruptured his ACL following a collision in the FA Cup tie with Manchester United.

The injury means that Sterling is likely to play at right wing and Jurrien Timber and Jorginho should also be fit for the game after both going off with cramp.

Another boost for Arsenal is that Takehiro Tomiyasu has been spotted back at the training ground after featuring just once this season following a knee issue.

Tomiyasu’s return could come at just the right time for Arteta as the Japanese international’s versatility across the defence will help with rotation amid a tough fixtures list.

The North London Derby will be too soon for Tomiyasu to make the squad however, there are at least some positive signs from the physio room for the Gunners.