Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
With North London bragging rights up for grabs this weekend, league leaders Tottenham will host bitter rivals Arsenal in the capital on Sunday afternoon.
Tottenham
Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have eventually had to settle for that dramatic 3-3 draw away at Greek outfit LASK in midweek, Spurs did manage to book their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Europa League. Last seen on Premier League duties playing out a 0-0 draw against another London derby in Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho’s men have skyrocketed their way to the top of the table and many feel that they could be a real title contender this season. Although the former Manchester United boss might have seen his side open the 2020/2021 campaign with a sluggish 1-0 defeat against Everton in North London, Tottenham have bounced back in impressive fashion. Along with shocking former champions Manchester City with a 2-0 victory in the capital last month, the Lilywhites are unbeaten in each of their other nine Premier League contests. Securing back-to-back wins on home soil since that stunning collapse against West Ham back in October, the mood in Spurs’ camp should be at a real high.
Team News
Despite Harry Kane missing Spurs’ Europa League showdown on Thursday, Jose Mourinho believes that the England skipper will be back and available to start on Sunday.
Erik Lamela (Achilles) will not face Spurs’ rivals while Toby Alderweireld, Sergio Reguilon and Carlos Vinicius are being assessed.
Arsenal
As for the visitors, although Arsenal might have managed to pick up what was a routine 4-1 victory against Rapid Wien on Europa League duties earlier in the week, it does not cover what has been a dreadful domestic run for the Gunners. Last seen in England’s top-flight getting hit with a 2-1 defeat against Wolves at the Emirates, they have managed to collect just 13 points from their opening 10 Premier League contests, their worst start to a campaign since 1981. With some around the red half of North London even starting to question the Spaniard’s position, Arsenal have now managed to win just one of their last six top-tier appearances, a run highlighted by a 3-0 drumming against Aston Villa. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat way down in 14th, Pep Guardiola’s former right-hand man will have a real headache over his side’s extended issues in the final third. Remarkably, Sunday’s guests have failed to score a single Premier League goal from open play since October 4th.
Team News
Arsenal will be sweating on the fitness of Thomas Partey and David Luiz for the short trip.
The Gunners will also be unable to call upon winger Nicolas Pepe who is still serving a suspension.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last faced off back in July, Tottenham picked up a 2-1 win on home soil.
- Arsenal have managed to win just one of their last six Premier League matchups.
- Tottenham are unbeaten in each of their last nine Premier League appearances on the bounce.
- Spurs have also conceded just a single goal in their last five top-flight contests.
- The Gunners have failed to score a single Premier League goal from open play since October 4th.
Conclusion
While Arsenal might have managed to pick up a routine Europa League victory in midweek, the Gunners are in the midst of a domestic nightmare and certainly face a stern test this weekend. Winning just one of their last six Premier League contests and continuing to show a string of issues in the final third, Tottenham should be smelling a golden chance to snatch North London bragging rights on Sunday afternoon. Skyrocketing their way to the top of the table and unbeaten in their last nine top-flight contests on the spin, they will also be boosted by their last meeting against their bitter rivals. Picking up a 2-1 win when they hosted Arsenal back in July, we’re backing a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Tottenham win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
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