When a bitter club rivalry is made even more significant by the title race, it is bound to be an engaging watch. This North London derby promises to be one of the most rollicking encounters of the season.
The stakes have never been higher for the Spurs to peg back their arch-rivals Arsenal. The Gunners are reeling from two successive league defeats, and Tottenham could effectively knock them out of the title race as well as aid their own challenge for the top spot, with a victory at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Third placed Arsenal are currently three points behind second placed Tottenham, ahead of a North London derby which Arsene Wenger has called the most significant in terms of the Premier League title. The Gunners need to win this one if they want to keep up with Tottenham and leaders Leicester City, who are now six points ahead of them.
Lineups:
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs will be boosted by the return of Dele Alli, who only made a cameo appearance against West Ham last time around. Kevin Wimmer will hope to make sure that their first choice centre-back Jan Vertonghen’s absence is not felt in this crucial tie.
Probable Starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose, Dier, Mason, Lamela, Alli, Eriksen, Kane
Arsenal
The Gunners have been dealt a bad blow with the injury of goalkeeper Petr Cech. David Ospina makes his first league start, while Gabriel Paulista slots in for the injured Laurent Koscielny. Danny Welbeck will also likely be starting the game, having been rested for their last match against Swansea City.
Probable Starting XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck, Giroud
Stats:
- Before their loss to West Ham United in mid-week, Tottenham were on a six-game winning streak in the league.
- Spurs have won four and drawn two of their last seven league home games against Arsenal.
- Harry Kane has scored three goals in two league appearances against the Gunners so far.
- Alexis Sanchez has not scored a goal in his last 11 league matches.
- Arsenal head into the game on a three-match losing streak in all competitions.
Prediction:
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Arsenal
West Ham United played some of the best football of their season against Spurs last time around, and deservedly came out winners in a hard fought encounter. However, Tottenham Hotspur are looking like the team to beat this season and will be fired up after that London derby defeat.
Arsenal’s compromised defence, lacking two key members, will be suspect to a Spurs attack that has the second highest goal tally of the season behind leaders Leicester City. They have also conceded the fewest goals, which is bad news for an Arsenal attack struggling to find the back of the net in recent times.
Odds:
Tottenham Hotspur – 17/12
Draw – 28/11
Arsenal – 9/4