Big Match Breakdown: Arsenal v Tottenham
Published:
Who will rule North London?
The Premier League returns on Saturday with a huge North London derby. Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates. And there’s more than local pride at stake this time.
Arsenal are down in sixth and need to close the gap on the top four. Tottenham are third, but they could end the weekend 11 points behind league-leaders Manchester City if they don’t win.
It’s all set up for a great game and the Coral News Team have all the key info…
Head-to-Head
Tottenham have had the edge against their rivals since Mauricio Pochettino took over in 2014. Arsenal’s only win over Spurs in the last seven meetings came in a Capital One Cup tie. But Spurs haven’t been won at the Emirates since 2010.
Arsenal had won five consecutive matches in all competitions before losing to City in their last game.
Spurs bounced back from defeats to West Ham United and Manchester United with a superb win over Real Madrid. Then they ground out a scrappy 1-0 win over Crystal Palace before the international break.
Likely XIs
Arsenal should be able to name an almost full-strength side. The front three of Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez can cause problems for any side.
Spurs have a few injury problems to deal with. Toby Alderweireld is unavailable at the back, so Eric Dier is likely to slot in.
That leaves Mousa Dembele as their only recognised central midfielder as Victor Wanyama and Harry Winks are out of action. Pochettino is likely to pull Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen into deeper roles, with Son Heung-Min supporting Harry Kane.
Key Battles
Tottenham’s midfield is likely to lack a naturally defensive player, but they’ll need to track Aaron Ramsey’s forward runs and Ozil’s movement.
Arsenal will look to control possession, but Spurs have the ability to counter at speed. Ramsey will need to pick and choose when he joins the attack. He could leave Granit Xhaka isolated otherwise.
This match will see two of the best sets of wing-backs in the league up against each other. Whoever dominates the wide areas will have a great chance to win.
Match Odds
Arsenal have won their last 10 home league games. Spurs have won five of their last six league games on the road. They could cancel each other out.
The last three league games between these two at Arsenal have ended in a 1-1 draw. There could be value in a Draw and Both Teams to Score at 16/5.
Whoever comes out on top, Harry Kane is likely to score. He was released by Arsenal as a youngster and seems determined to make them regret it. The England star has scored in all five of his league appearances against the Gunners. Kane is 21/20 to score Anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
