Prediction: Arsenal vs Tottenham

25th February 2012

The North London derby could serve as an excellent opportunity for Arsenal to kick-start their season after the major disappointments during the last week, whereas Tottenham can prove their credentials as the best London side at the moment and virtually secure the third place in the Premier League standings.

Back to back Premiership wins over Blackburn and Sunderland were believed just the boost Arsenal needed before the crucial stage of the season, but the Gunners failed to build on their good league form, having suffered disappointing defeats in the Champions League and the FA Cup. The 4-0 setback at San Siro proved that Arsenal lack the quality, character as well as experience to match the best European sides, whereas the FA Cup defeat to Sunderland served as an extra blow before the biggest game of the season. Arsene Wenger’s side are under extreme pressure to not only end the poor run of results, but to keep the slim advantage over their top 4 rivals, and Tottenham are not exactly the team they would like to be facing at the moment. Arsene Wenger is hoping to have Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs ready to face Spurs, but Francois Coquelin, Carl Jenkinson, Andre Santos, Jack Wilshire, Per Mertesacker and Abou Diaby have all been ruled out through injury.

There was a time when Arsenal were considered the most attractive side in England and when Tottenham could do nothing to even come close to their arch rivals, but the tide has turned since and now Spurs are regarded as the team to beat, at least within the London area. The White Hart Lane outfit proved they are on the road to become the biggest club in the capital by snatching Scott Parker from under Arsenal’s noses last summer, which is something the Gunners fans cannot seem to forget. Another player that was virtually rejected by Arsenal is doing wonders at White Hart Lane and Arsene Wenger’s injury-plagued defence could have their work cut out for them when facing Emmanuel Adebayor and co. Going into the game on the back of the 5-0 win over Newcastle, leaving the goalless draw against Stevenage aside, Spurs have every right to feel optimistic before the clash at Etihad, especially as Rafa van der Vaart, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Luka Modric are all set to return. Ledley King, however, is doubtful through injury.

Conclusion

Arsenal could find it to recover from disappointing defeats to Milan and Sunderland, and the Gunners will need to produce something special if they want to win this game. Tottenham are on top of their game at the moment and they appear to have what it takes to take advantage of Arsenal’s problems and record a valuable win.

Verdict: Tottenham Draw No Bet

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Paddy Power