Arsene Wenger was asked about why Arsenal seem to struggle in November.

The Frenchman tells BT Sport: "Mathematically we have done less well in November than other months. It is a good opportunity to show we can move forward and perform no matter what months we are playing."

Wenger also hopes midfielder Granit Xhaka has learnt from his red card against Swansea, that resulted in a three match ban.

He added: "Xhaka has to learn from experience and I am sure he will. He has a good opportunity to show that today."

Aaron Ramsey's Bieberesque blond barnet is glistening in the Emirates sun. Not sure why the cameraman is particularly focusing on the Welshman - he's on the Gunners bench.

Image source, Getty Images

Ten Premier League players have been nominated for Fifa's Men's Player 2016 award - what seems to be the organisation's version of the Ballon d'Or. 

The 23-man shortlist includes Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante, who won the title with Leicester City.

Also named are Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Dimitri Payet.

Kante, Sanchez and Ozil did not make the Ballon d'Or shortlist but are in the running for Fifa's award, which will include a public vote.

Does that benefit Arsenal's Sanchez and Ozil with the club's vote-loving fans, external. 

"Tottenham have gone six games without a win and have not scored a goal in open play for more than seven hours, but I don't see them as a team in crisis ahead of Sunday's north London derby."

Former Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy offers hope to any worried away fans out there in his tactical analysis of today's game.

Have a gander.

Image source, #bbcfootball

BtheG: Only this year's US election makes me more nervous than the North London derby. Come on Arsenal! 

Charlene Beedie: Other than Mesut Ozil's goal midweek, this is the most excited I have been for an Arsenal match this season.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Emirates Stadium

Huge lift for Spurs that Harry Kane is back - they are just not the same team without him.

Spurs have played 903 minutes without Kane since he was injured against Sunderland on 18 September. They have scored 13 times in that period, five of those against Gillingham in the EFL Cup.  

Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping he can re-ignite their form here against their fiercest rivals.

Looks pretty nippy in north London. Even Eric Dier is wearing a snood to warm up in. And he's as hard as nails.

There are fewer people inside the Emirates than at a Cast gig. But that isn't stopping them giving the pelters to the Spurs players when they jog out of the tunnel.

David Seaman
Former Arsenal and England goalkeeper

“Arsenal are in a great position, but looking back they have been there before. The only difference now is that a lot of the players are fit and there is a bigger squad. The bench is filled with quality players.

“The telling time will be getting to the knock out stages of the Champions League. There is usually a dip when they get knocked out and it affects league form

"But looking at it now I am really confident.”

We already know the big Tottenham team news - and it is mixed news. Harry Kane is back up top, but Dele Alli - the Robin to his Batman - is out injured.

Three changes from the midweek defeat against Bayer Leverkusen as Kane, left-back Danny Rose and centre-back Kevin Wimmer come in.

Does Wimmer's arrival hint at Spurs playing three centre-backs? "Maybe, yes," says a poker-faced Mauricio Pochettino.

Image source, .

Arsenal revert to their preferred starting XI after the midweek Champions League victory at Ludogorets.

England winger Theo Walcott returns to the side after missing their last three games with a hamstring injury.

Swiss midfield enforcer Granit Xhaka also returns after serving a three match ban, while Nacho Monreal is fit enough to start ahead of Kieran Gibbs at left-back.

Image source, .

Bad news for Spurs. Bad news for England. Mauricio Pochettino says Dele Alli has a knee injury and will be out for a "few weeks". Gareth Southgate winces. Gordon Strachan rejoices.

Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on 5 live

The North London derby comes down to who wants it most. What always amazed me is the swing in who was favourite in particular points in the game. It only took a tiny incident, like a big tackle, and you see something change in the opposition.

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has been speaking about today's "special game", ahead of his north London derby debut.

The German international told BT Sport: "We have to try and give everything to win this game.

"I feel we were quite good in midweek, coming back from 2-0 down away from home against Ludogorets shows the great character in the team and spirit in the changing room."

Yohan Randall: I make everybody in the house take off their socks before any Arsenal game. Always brings good luck.

John McEnerney: Old Firm games always got 2 Jagermeisters just at kick off drank them without touching the glass. I'm sensible now only have 1!

The turnstiles have cranked into life at the Emirates. And a few hardy souls are already sitting out in the crisp north London sunshine. Why would you be in your seat so early? Ever? I don't get it.

Rejoice Tottenham fans. Harry Kane starts. However, there is no Dele Alli, No wonder he looked miserable when he walked into the Emirates.

For Arsenal, Theo Walcott and Hector Bellerin - both pre-match injury doubts - start.

Full team news to follow.

Ask your dad, kids...

Olivier Giroud is looking more gladiatorial by the day. Maybe he fancies being the new Russell Crowe. A mountainous man. With a magnificent beard.