Verdict: Tottenham to win
Best Odds: 15/8
Bookmakers: Bet 365
Arsenal welcome their eternal North London rivals Tottenham to the Emirates for a derby that could have huge ramifications in the race for the top four spots in the Premier League. Spurs currently sit third in the table, while the Gunners have slipped to sixth, making this a hugely important game for both sides. North London derbies famously create some fiery moments, and with some hugely talented players on display for both sides the level of football should be astounding.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger’s side have had a difficult start to the season, as evidenced by the fact that they find themselves in sixth position after 11 games. Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem as the Gunners have netted 20 times so far, with new signing Alexandre Lacazette grabbing six of those. However the biggest issue that Arsenal have faced in this campaign has been keeping clean sheets. The North London side have conceded 16 goals already this season, and have been struggling to shut out many of the lesser sides. While this hasn’t always resulted in a loss due to their prolific scoring rate, the 2-1 defeat away at Watford back in October summed up their problems.
There are definitely positives that can be taken from the season however as Arsenal have looked incredibly impressive at home, winning all five of their games at the Emirates so far. The latest of these wins was a 2-1 victory over Swansea in which the Gunners came back from 0-1 down, showing great determination and a certain guile that has been lacking in Arsenal teams of recent history.
Team News
French striker Olivier Giroud suffered a thigh injury while on international duty, though his teammate Alexandre Lacazette was perhaps more likely to have started this derby anyway.
In defence both Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi are doubts, though the latter looks the better bet to return for this game. Goalkeeper David Ospina should also be back, but Santi Cazorla remains out.
Tottenham
Spurs have had a brilliant start to this campaign and are currently sitting third in the table, level on points with Manchester United ahead of this game. Like their North London rivals Tottenham have scored 20 times in 11 games, and they boast the Premier League’s joint top scorer in Harry Kane. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have recorded some huge victories along the way this season, including a 4-1 league win over Liverpool, as well as two 3-1 triumphs over Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in the Champions League. Such high profile results have established Tottenham as a real force in world football, and they are currently flying much higher than their North London rivals.
Another huge positive for Spurs fans is their defensive solidity, which has carried over from last season. They have conceded just seven goals in this Premier League campaign, which is tied for the second lowest with Manchester City. However Pochettino is facing somewhat of an injury crisis for this game as both Hugo Lloris and Toby Alderweireld are major doubts, which would remove a large chunk of Tottenham’s starting defensive structure.
Team News
Mauricio Pochettino is facing some troubling injury issues ahead of this crucial fixture, and various players will be facing late fitness tests. Amongst the forwards both Dele Alli and Harry Kane didn’t feature in England’s friendlies in the hopes of returning to fitness for this game, and that move looks to have paid off as both should feature. The same is true of talented young midfielder Harry Winks.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is the biggest doubt for this game as both he and defender Toby Alderweireld will be game time decisions. Victor Wanyama is unlikely to be fit due to a knee injury.
Key Factors to Consider
- Arsenal have conceded 16 goals in 11 Premier League games this season.
- Tottenham have conceded just seven times in 11 Premier League games this season.
- Both teams have scored 20 times in the league so far this season.
- The last game between the two sides ended in a 2-0 home win for Spurs.
- Harry Kane has scored eight times so far this season.
Conclusion
If the majority of Tottenham’s key players do manage to recover from their various injuries in time for this game then there is little doubt that Pochettino has the better side on paper. North London derbies can be notoriously difficult to predict, but quality should win out in this game, and, even though Spurs are the away side, they should have enough to ease past an Arsenal team that has been leaking goals this season.
Verdict: Tottenham to win
Best Odds: 15/8
Bookmakers: Bet 365
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