All eyes will turn to the Emirates stadium on Sunday, as it will play host to the biggest match of week 28. The Gunners are set to face Spurs in a derby that will determine their European fate for next season. Who can seal the deal in the end? This is Arsenal Vs Tottenham – The North London Derby.
Match Preview
Both London teams will want to end the frustrating season on a high note. Arsenal are currently struggling as they face the risk of no European football for the next season after poor performances, making this derby a must win game. On the other hand, a rampant Tottenham side seems to have find his form, as they look make a late charge into the top four. It’s safe to say that this season was a testing one for both new managers, but who will be able to finish it in a better style? Let’s take a look in our match analysis.
Arsenal
We start with the red half of North London, who despite being inconsistent this season, still have hope of finishing it in style. The Gunners were dominant in their last fixture against Burnley, however a personal mistake and a non called penalty cost them the three points. Arsenal will feel as if they can win any match they play in, especially since they went on that 7 unbeaten game run. Unfortunately, inconsistency is still an issue that Arteta must fix ASAP if they want a European place next season. Can they finally get a good run going starting by the most important game of them all? On a bright note, Arsenal have lost only two of their last 35 home league encounters with Tottenham Hotspur. Will they be able to extend that run on Sunday?
As for European football this season, Arsenal are impressing in the Europa League but still have a long way to go. Arteta might feel like this is another solution to seek Champions League football next season, however it’s still early to give up on the league fixtures. Arsenal came back from Athens with an important 3-1 victory over Olympiacos, with the return leg to be played next week. These goals will prove to be vital for them as they make their way to European glory.
Tottenham Hotspur
The white half of North London are in a better shape as of late, having won their last 3 league games and the Europa League clash. During that 4 games run, Spurs have scored 11 goals while conceding just 1, numbers that Mourinho is a specialist in. They sit currently in 7th place, just 5 points clear of the 4th place and with a game in hand. Can Jose work his magic and bring them back to the top 4? Lead by the amazing trio of Kane, Bale and Son, Tottenham are more than able to beat any team they face this season. So how will the season end for them?
While also securing a much important win in the Europa League, Spurs have half the job finished as they eye the return leg in Zagreb. They are clearly the better team in form heading into the derby, can they keep it going? Spurs can go six matches unbeaten against Arsenal in all competitions for the first time on Sunday, and Mourinho will recognise the value of this as he prepares his side.
Team News
Emile Smith Rowe was the only player in the Gunnersβ treatment room, but he made his return in the midweek fixture over Olympiakos, having made his recovery from injury. Thomas Partey also returned after struggling this season with many injuries.
As for Tottenham, only Lo Celso is a long βterm absentee. Serge Aurier bounced back from injury as he played the match vs Zagreb. Both teams will have almost a full team to choose from.
Prediction & Current Odds
Arsenal Vs Tottenham – The North London Derby. Bottom line is, we expect goals in this one, with Harry Kane, the all-time top scorer in this fixture and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both in strong form recently. Gareth Bale’s five PL goals against the Gunners are the most he has scored versus any side in the competition. Can he score again? Draws in the North London derby are common, with 23 between the pair in PL history. That result looks likely again, with neither side willing to risk too much as they look to avoid defeat.
However, if any team should have an edge here it’s Tottenham. They are in better form and Mourinhoβs expertise could be enough to ensure Tottenham take all three points in the derby. We expect both teams to score, with an advantage to Spurs as stated earlier. Who do you think will conquer London on Sunday?
- Over 2.5 goals: 1.90
- Tottenham Win/Draw: 1.50
- Both Teams To Score: 1.70
Stay up to date with bet365.
For the latest news, visit my blog or follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.