The North London derby is set to be the highlight of the weekend across world football
The North London derby is always a big game, but it will be even bigger this season as both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur aim to finish a tough season on a high note.
Both have fallen short of expectations this season, with Spurs struggling to build on their successful Project Restart performances and still missing an identity under Jose Mourinho, while Mikel Arteta has struggled to find consistency with Arsenal.
ARSENAL VS TOTTENHAM: TEAM NEWS
Emile Smith Rowe was the only Gunners player in the recovery room, but he returned in the midweek match against Olympiakos after recovering from injury.
Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, would be surprised if he threw him back into the starting XI for the derby.
Serge Aurier returned from injury to play the entire Europa League match against Dinamo Zagreb in midweek, indicating that Matt Doherty will take his place at right-back.
While Giovani Lo Celso’s recovery from a back injury has been delayed due to complications, Sergio Reguilon, who was unused against Slavia, will replace Ben Davies at left-back.
ARSENAL VS TOTTENHAM: KEY FACTS & STATS
Spurs will be inspired by their outstanding results against Arsenal, in addition to their recent strong Premier League record.
Tottenham has won three and drawn two of their last five meetings with the Lilywhites, while the red half of North London has failed to win either of them.
Spurs haven’t won three consecutive league games against Arsenal since 1974, and Mourinho will certainly realise the importance of achieving this rare feat for the club.
However, Arteta should take heart from the fact that Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven home games, winning three and drawing three.
ARSENAL VS. TOTTENHAM: PREDICTION
Draws are usual in the North London derby, with 23 draws between the two teams in Premier League history. Only Everton and Liverpool (24) have played out more draws in the Premier League period.
A draw appears to be the most likely outcome, with neither side willing to take too many risks in order to escape defeat.
If either side is likely to have the upper hand, Spurs’ recent form and Mourinho’s experience in big games may be enough to ensure Tottenham take all three points from their eternal rivals’ home.
Arsenal 1-2 Tottenham, according to the sportsbooks.
Predicted Lineups
Predicted Tottenham XI: Hugo Lloris; Kyle Walker, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose; Eric Dier, Dele Alli; Erik Lamela, Moussa Dembele, Christian Eriksen; Harry Kane
Predicted Arsenal XI: Petr Cech; Mathieu Debuchy, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal; Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla; Joel Campbell, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez; Olivier Giroud
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