Prediction: Arsenal vs Tottenham

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: William Hill

Arsenal and Tottenham lock horns on Sunday in a much awaited North London Derby which should be another cracking contest between two fierce rivals, who face each other in contrasting form at the Emirates.

Arsenal

The Gunners are enjoying supreme form this season, which saw them embark on a 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions following the 4-3 opening day defeat to Liverpool. Arsene Wenger’s men have been undefeated in their last nine Premier League games and have also won seven of those which makes them firm favourites to emerge victorious from their Sunday’s encounter. The Gunners will most certainly be looking to extend their formidable stretch of results as they at the same time look to win only their second match against Tottenham since 2014. The two rivals met five times with Arsenal winning only once and the pressure will be on Wenger’s side to come out on top and confirm the title ambitions. Another thing will be on Arsene Wenger’s mind heading into the North London derby this weekend though. Arsenal suffer worse results in November than any other month of the year and the Frenchman has already urged his men to end the November curse despite a potential selection crisis due to a number of injuries to first-team players.

Team News

Hector Bellerin is facing a fitness battle ahead of the Tottenham duel, while Santi Cazorla has been ruled out with Achilles tendon injury.

Theo Walcott is facing a late fitness test, while Chuba Akpom is having back problems which will keep him out of contention. In addition, Mertesacker, Perez, Monreal and Welbeck all remain sidelined.

Tottenham

Despite their bright start to the season which saw them win six of their opening seven matches in all competitions, Tottenham Hotspur are going through a rough patch at the moment. They might be only three points behind their bitter rivals, but Spurs have failed to win any of their last six matches and are facing a crucial moment which can very well define the rest of the season for Mauricio Pochettino’s men. Free-flowing, attack-oriented Spurs have been struggling in the scoring department of late without first-choice striker Harry Kane, having only scored three goals in their last six games. The England international striker is making a timely return from his injury and the fact he will be in contention for the game against Arsenal might just be the boost Spurs need to kick-start their campaign and get back to winning ways. Having in mind that they won only one of their last six visits to Emirates, it will be easier said than done.

Team News

Alderweireld’s absence will once again be a big blow for the visiting side against a top class attacking team such as Arsenal.

Eric Lamela and Harry Kane have recovered from injuries and are back in training, but the lack of match fitness could limit their contribution in the Sunday’s North London Derby.

Key Aspects to Consider

• Arsenal are unbeaten in last 15 games in all competitions
• Gunners have managed to beat Spurs only once since 2014
• Tottenham failed to win any of their last 6 matches
• Spurs scored only three goals during that time
• Wenger’s men won 11 of their last 14 home matches

Conclusion

Highly anticipated North London derby comes at the perfect time for Arsenal, but not so much for Totteham who are struggling to find their footing over the last couple of weeks. The Gunners are enjoying a great run which they hope will be extended despite the fact Spurs will be buoyed by the return of their key striker Harry Kane.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: William Hill