Verdict: Martin Odegaard over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With all eyes falling on the Emirates in midweek, north London bragging rights will be up for grabs when Arsenal and Tottenham meet on Wednesday night.
Arsenal
Starting with the hosts, suffering major FA Cup heartbreak over the weekend as they eventually fell to historic rivals Manchester United, Arsenal are desperately seeking a much-needed boost here. While the Gunners might have opened the New Year with their sights set on relighting their Premier League title charge, Mikel Arteta’s men find themselves at the heart of another public rut. Watching their EFL Cup adventure come to an end earlier in the month as they were hit with a 2-0 loss at home against Newcastle, Arsenal are without a win from any of their previous three appearances across all competitions. Coming under some recent scrutiny, the Gunners are also seeking some crucial defensive steel. In fact, Arteta’s squad have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last seven consecutive outings.
Arsenal Team News
Stretchered off against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, Brazilian marksman Gabriel Jesus will miss out on Wednesday night. Likewise, appearing to have picked up a late knock in north London, Arteta’s side are sweating over the fitness of former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.
While Kai Havertz might have endured a public nightmare at the Emirates last weekend, the German international should once again be deployed in a false nine role. Ex-West Ham skipper Declan Rice should be handed a full recall and replace Mikel Merino in the middle of the park.
Tottenham
As for the visitors, while Tottenham might have avoided what would have been an infamous FA Cup banana skin last weekend, Spurs will know that they dodged a real bullet. Despite claiming a 3-0 win against National League outfit Tamworth after being forced into extra-time, Ange Postecoglou’s men have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability. Although Wednesday’s guests might have sprung an EFL Cup upset last week as they clinched a 1-0 victory at home against Liverpool, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad collect just a single point from any of their previous four Premier League appearances. Getting the New Year underway with a collapse on home soil as they fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Newcastle, Spurs have also gained a reputation for their issues on the road. In fact, Tottenham have lost four of their previous five Premier League away fixtures.
Tottenham Team News
Sustaining what was a sickening head injury against Liverpool last week, ex-Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will once again miss out here. Likewise, dealing with what has become an injury crisis, Spurs will also be unable to call upon the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Gulielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie.
All handed a partial FA Cup rest any at Tamworth last weekend, the attacking trio of Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and skipper Heung-Min Son will all make a full return. Despite only arriving last week, 21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky should keep his spot between the sticks.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Key Factors to Consider
- When Arsenal and Tottenham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 15th, the Gunners collected a 1-0 victory on their travels.
- Arsenal have collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League meetings against their arch-rivals.
- Tottenham have collected just a single point from any of their last four Premier League appearances.
- The Gunners are without a win from any of their previous three appearances across all competitions.
- Tottenham have lost four of their last six Premier League away fixtures.
Conclusion
Suffering real FA Cup heartbreak over the weekend, Arsenal have the feel of a squad seeking an essential boost. Without a win from any of their previous three domestic appearances across all competitions, Wednesday’s hosts will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Landing a 1-0 victory when they met Tottenham for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 15th, Arteta’s men will be desperate for a repeat outcome. Mustering 13 points from their last five Premier League battles against their arch-rivals, it is no surprise why the Gunners are installed as a standout contender on Wednesday night.
Verdict: Martin Odegaard over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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