Premier League: North London Clash is Simply Huge for the Gunners

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

With apologies to Spurs fans of course, but the upcoming date with Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could have a huge bearing on the Gunners’ title hopes.

Mikel Arteta’s side are the most likely to topple Manchester City from their perch but, with three games gone they have already given the Sky Blues a two point start and, as pep Guardiola’s champions are invariably much stronger in the second half of the campaign, Arsenal can’t really afford to let the gap widen right now. And, while Premier League: Tottenham vs Arsenal is a game which could go either way, City host Brentford on Saturday so, by the time the Gunners cross the white line they will probably be five points adrift.

And that will add more weight to a clash which is already a pressure pot.

The Spurs fans will make it as uncomfortable as they can for their neighbours and manager Ange Postecoglou will do all he can to make the Gunners life difficult. Derbies have more riding on them for the fans and a win for Spurs could kick start their own season.           

Arsenal come into the game having dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion while Tottenham lost 2-1 away to Newcastle United; so both teams are in need of a pick up and that makes this a must-see match.

 

Talking Points

Solanke close to Spurs return

Tottenham’s summer marquee signing Dominic Solanke is yet to get his Spurs career off the ground after picking up an ankle injury in the opening fixture away to Leicester City. This week Postecoglou has hinted the former Liverpool and Bournemouth man is nearing a return and fans will be hoping he can play some part against Arsenal. If he does make it Solanke could replace another summer signing, Wilson Odobert, though with Timo Werner also pushing for a start Postecoglou may choose to give Solanke another week. The same applies to centre back Micky van de Ven who was so important for the Whites last season. He is back in full training and Spurs will make a late assessment on the Dutchman.

Tottenham and Newcastle are fishing in the same pond, aiming for Europe and maybe even a top four spot and the loss before the break was a serious blow for Spurs. And with a draw against Leicester City and a victory over Everton this has been a mixed start. But whoever steps out against Arsenal will be well primed and up for the fight.

 

Odegaard doubt for Arsenal

With this derby followed by a trip to Manchester City this is a vital period for Arsenal and Arteta will want his best players available. But he received a blow this week with the news that captain Martin Odegaard was injured during Norway’s Nations League win over Austria. Initially it was feared the attacking midfielder had fractured his ankle but Norway’s team doctor later said he’d avoided a serious injury but is highly unlikely to play a part in the derby. The 25 year old is likely to be out for three weeks but the club is playing its cards close to its chest. If, as expected, Odegaard doesn’t make it on Sunday, Arteta may choose to move Kai Havertz back into an advanced midfield role as he did on he three occasions his skipper was out last season. And Raheem Sterling’s arrival at the Emirates has given Arsenal more attacking options. Following his unexpected departure from Stamford Bridge the England man would love to make his mark in North London.   

 

History

With 29 wins to 17 the Gunners have had the better of the head to heads against Spurs in the Premier League era and they had the edge last season over two highly entertaining matches. In September the two teams played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates and then Arsenal edged a five goal thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May.

In terms of recent form Arsenal have the upper hand, on a run of four wins and a draw while Spurs have won just one in the last five; and the Tottenham vs Arsenal betting odds favour the visitors…but not by much.    

 

Betting Tip

Once Saturday’s games are over fans of the title chasing teams will be following the Tottenham vs Arsenal updates on Sunday, and this game is wide open with all three results in play; Tottenham are available at SBOTOP odds of 2.75 with the Gunners priced at 2.25 to take all three points. 

A repeat of the 2-2 draw from last season is priced at 11.08 and I think that outcome has a very decent chance.  

   

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