Prediction: Tottenham vs Arsenal

2nd October 2011

Having experienced turbulent times of late, the North London rivals will see the game at White Hart Lane as a perfect opportunity to prove their credentials and improve the atmosphere before the international break. After quite a while, Tottenham are considered favourites after winning their last three league games and they will fancy their chances against struggling Arsenal.

After the impressive Champions League campaign prevented Tottenham from mounting a serious top 4 challenge in the Premiership last season, Harry Redknapp has clearly make the Premier League his number one priority this term and that is producing very good results. Not only did Spurs manage to pick four points from first two Europa League games despite playing with an under strength squad, but they also did well to recover from opening defeats to Manchester rivals, having won their last three league games in great fashion. The impact of new signings Emmanuel Adebayor and Scott Parker is there for everyone to see, but Harry Redknapp must be delighted to see Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Ledley King back to their best as well. Spurs now have a unique chance to get one over their rivals and create a decent advantage over the top 4 rival, so there are no doubts that derby win would be highly appreciated. While Emmanuel Adebayor is in line to face his former side, William     Gallas is forced to watch the game from the stands, just like Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone.

Arsenal fans are evidently pleased with the fact that Arsenal have recorded three straight wins in all competitions after the difficult start to the season, but the Gunners are still some way off from the desired form and that is a cause for concern. Home wins over Shrewsbury, Bolton and Olympiakos have had a positive effect on the player’s confidence, but that doesn’t change the fact that Gunners have won just one away game this season, having recorded a lucky win over Udinese at Friuli in the Champions League play-off. Numerous injuries to the playing squad also prevented Arsenal from reach the desired level of form, and with selection problems continuing to mount, Arsene Wenger has little reason for optimism before the clash at White Hart Lane. Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen miss out through injuries, meaning that Alex Song could start at the back, whereas Theo Walcott and Gervinho are injury doubts.

Conclusion

Tottenham’s record in matches against Arsenal is far from impressive, but Spurs did well to improve it over the last few years and they now have a great chance to pour more misery on their rivals. Harry Redknapp’s side look to be on top of their game at the moment, which cannot be said of their opponents, so I believe the points will remain at White Hart Lane.

Verdict: Home win Tottenham (1)

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Paddy Power