This week presents one of the hottest rivalries in the Premier League in the form of North London Derby. Arsenal welcomes rivals Tottenham at the Emirates this Sunday with kickoff at 7:30 pm.
To say it is a North London Derby to watch out for would be an overstatement. Arsenal is currently mid-table at 10th position, having picked up only 38 points from 27 matches this season. Tottenham is now seventh in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.
Arsenal is far from where they wanted to be this season when it comes to performances. The 10th position is a dreaded position for any ‘Big Six’ side at this stage. Furthermore, the hopes of a top-four finish or top six are out of the Gunners’ question.
The best option for Gunners is going all the way in the Europa League to qualify for a spot in the Champions League. The side registered a 3-1 away win against Olympiacos in the first leg of the last 16. However, self-inflicting misery continues to overshadow Arteta with a goal handed to El-Rabi courtesy of a Leno mishap.
On the other hand, Mourinho heads into the Derby with their head held high without a loss against the Gunners in his long and lustrous career. Like the Gunners, the Lilly Whites head into the clash on the back of a 2-0 home success over Dinamo Zagreb.
Arsenal vs. Tottenham Head to Head
Both sides have 36 games against each other, with Arsenal with 13 wins while Tottenham with 11 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Olympiacos 1-3 Arsenal
Burnley 1-1 Arsenal
Leicester City 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-2 Benfica
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City
Away
Tottenham 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb
Tottenham 4-1 Crystal Palace
Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
Tottenham 4-0 Burnley
Tottenham 4-0 Wolfsberger
Arsenal Team News
Thomas Partey came off the pitch after half-time due to a tactical decision and will feature in the engine room alongside Xhaka. Pepe will likely get the nod over Willian on the left flank while Martinelli continues to warm the bench. Smith Rowe might step to replace Martin Odegaard.
Tottenham Team News
Giovani Lo Celso remains out with a back problem, but Kane should be available despite picking a knock to his knee during their Thursday’s clash. Tanguy Ndombele will get the nod in midfield ahead of Harry Winks.
Prediction and Odds
When it comes to a North London Derby, forms go of the window and nothing, but a spectacular battle ensues.
Draw
Goals Under 2.5
Kane to Score (Penalty)
