Arsenal vs Tottenham tips and predictions: Away day Spurs to continue and dent rivals title bid?

Arsenal state of play

Premier League pacesetters and current title favourites Arsenal return to action following the international break for a North London Derby meeting with Tottenham Hotspur that could have big implications for their title chances.

Mikel Arteta’s team are on an eight-game unbeaten streak in the league, but have had two weeks to simmer on a disappointing draw away to Sunderland.

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The Gunners must improve on their last showing, but have history on their side due to the fact Spurs haven’t won away at the Emirates Stadium in 15 years. The table-toppers are firm favourites to continue that run.

Tottenham state of play

Tottenham Hotspur have had a fortnight to think about how they let a stoppage time slip against Manchester United in their final match before the international break. Thomas Frank has also had time to ponder his team’s recent issues.

While Spurs’ current league position is fifth is far from disastrous, frustration has built up over the team’s struggle to create goalscoring opportunities from open play.

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The good news for Frank and his players, however, is that Sunday’s derby could suit them tactically. Spurs are expected to set up to play on the break just as they did away to Manchester City when they pulled off their best result and performance of the season so far.

Key talking point: Will Arsenal’s defence come out on top?

Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away to Sunderland snapped the Gunners’ incredible streak of eight successive clean sheets in all competitions with the Black Cats able to disrupt the Premier League leaders in a way that hadn’t been witnessed for a long time.

In a match that features as one quarter of our four-fold weekly acca, Spurs could take inspiration from this by getting bodies forward quickly and posing a physical threat inside the opposition box whenever possible. 

Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence through injury could give Tottenham some encouragement. The Brazilian suffered a thigh injury playing for Brazil and Arsenal will miss him in central defence this weekend.

Nonetheless, Arsenal have demonstrated their defensive strength over a prolonged period of time. That could be the difference between the two North London rivals.

FIRST.com’s top tip - Arsenal vs Tottenham

Pick: Total Tottenham goals under 0.5 at 19/20 with Betway

Arsenal’s impressive defensive record this season makes a ninth clean sheet in 10 games a wise pick even if the Gunners conceded twice in their last outing.

Manchester City are the only away team to score at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League this season, making 19/20 an attractive price for Tottenham to fail to register in Sunday’s derby.

They say form goes out the window in matches like these, but everything points to Spurs struggling to make much of an attacking mark on their rivals.

Extra tips

Pick: Mikel Merino anytime goalscorer at 15/8 with William Hill

Pick: Eberechi Eze over 1 hots on target at 13/5 with William Hill

Tip - Combining two selections of Eze assisting Merino in William Hill’s #YourOdds section comes at 10/1. 

Viktor Gyokeres’ muscular injury could keep him out of Sunday’s derby, meaning Mikel Merino is likely to lead the line for Arsenal. The Spaniard has registered three goal contributions in his last two games and is a strong finisher inside the box.

Eberechi Eze will keep his place in the lineup with Martin Odegaard still out. The England international is averaging more shorts per game than any other Arsenal player this season and will be a threat from the edge of the box.

Team news

Gabriel added his name to Arsenal’s long list of injured players with Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined. Gyokeres is also a doubt.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s injury list is even longer and could have a big impact on their chances of producing a positive result against the Gunners. James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma and Randal Kolo Muani are all missing.

Arsenal vs Tottenham predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Merino (4-2-3-1)

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Odobert, Simons, Kudus; Richarlison (4-2-3-1)

Form (all competitions)

Arsenal: DWWWWWWWWW

Tottenham: DWLLWDLWDD

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Odds correct at the time of writing.