ARSENAL and Tottenham players can avoid suspension from the North London derby by being SENT OFF in their midweek Premier League games.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba or Harry Kane are all currently on four yellow cards in the league so far this season.
That means a caution for Saka or Saliba against Newcastle on Tuesday night, or for Kane against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, would lead to them missing the next league match - the North London derby on January 15.
However, if they are sent off in these upcoming games, the suspension would apply to their next domestic fixtures - the FA Cup third round this weekend.
Spurs host Portsmouth on Saturday, before Arsenal travel to Oxford United on Monday.
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Therefore, there is a possibility that if Saka, Saliba or Kane are on bookings during the latter stages of their matches against Newcastle and Palace then they may choose to see red in order to avoid missing the derby.
But it is also key to consider another rule which could see a sending off backfire.
If a player is deemed to have manipulated the system to get a ban in a match they would miss, they can be charged or suspended for "bringing the game into disrepute".
So if the likes of Saka, Saliba or Kane are seen to have deliberately been sent off in order to be available for the derby then they may be retrospectively punished further.
Arsenal hold a seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table heading into their clash with Newcastle.
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Mikel Arteta's men are also 13 ahead of Spurs with a game in hand.
Antonio Conte's side are yet to win since returning from the World Cup break - drawing 2-2 with Brentford and losing 2-0 to Aston Villa.
Tottenham have finished above Arsenal in each of the last six Premier League seasons, but that run is in serious danger of coming to an end as the Lilywhites continue to fall further behind their North London rivals.
