Tottenham v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Tottenham host Arsenal A key storyline ahead of this match is the absence of key players in midfield for the Gunners, who are chasing a third consecutive away win against their North London rivals. Spurs have earned four points from their three fixtures so far this season.

Tottenham Form

Tottenham’s finish to last season was poor, losing five of their final seven Premier League matches. They were thrashed 4-0 by Newcastle, lost 3-2 at home to Arsenal (after trailing 3-0), and fell 4-2 to Liverpool (after trailing 4-0).

This season started with a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Leicester, despite leading 1-0 and dominating with 70% possession. They followed up with a convincing 4-0 win at home against Everton. In their last match, despite having 20 shots and 66% possession, they were beaten 2-1 away by Newcastle.

Tottenham Team News

Richarlison is expected to miss the match due to injury, while three other players are doubtful. Yves Bissouma, Micky van de Ven, and Dominic Solanke will undergo late fitness tests but are expected to be available.

Rodrigo Bentancur is available despite facing an FA charge for using a racial slur and may replace Pape Sarr in the starting XI. Dejan Kulusevski could feature as a false nine, and Radu Dragusin is on standby if van de Ven is ruled out.

Tottenham Motivation

Tottenham are an attacking side and will likely continue their aggressive approach, especially against a weakened Arsenal. Postecoglou’s team will be aiming for a win and are unlikely to settle for a draw at any stage of the match.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal drew 1-1 against Brighton in their last match after Declan Rice was sent off, surrendering a 1-0 lead. Before that setback, the Gunners had won eight consecutive matches. They ended last season strongly with big wins, including a 5-0 victory over Chelsea, a 3-2 win at Spurs, and a 1-0 triumph at Manchester United.

Last season finished with a 2-1 home win against Everton, as Manchester City claimed the title. This season, Arsenal began with a 2-0 home win over Wolves, followed by a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa, scoring twice within 11 minutes of the second half.

Arsenal Team News

The Gunners will be without the suspended Declan Rice and the injured Martin Odegaard. Mikel Arteta is expected to field Jorginho and Thomas Partey in midfield, with Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz potentially playing as false nines.

Mikel Merino and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined. Gabriel Jesus and Ricardo Calafiori are doubtful but could make the bench. Raheem Sterling is set to make his debut as a substitute.

Arsenal Motivation

Without Rice and Odegaard, Arsenal may adopt a more defensive approach, with Arteta likely instructing his left-back to invert into a third holding midfielder role.

Any win would be a significant result, and Arsenal may look to capitalize on set-pieces. A draw would not be a disaster but would certainly be a disappointment.

Key Stats

Tottenham have seen over 2.5 goals in 20 of their last 24 EPL matches.

Tottenham have conceded in 29 of their last 34 matches (57 goals conceded).

Spurs have lost 6 of their last 10 matches.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has scored 11 goals in his last 17 EPL appearances.

Arsenal have won their last 2 away matches against Tottenham.

Verdict

Despite their injury concerns, Arsenal are the stronger side and are tipped to win. However, this derby may not feature as many goals as usual.