Tottenham Hotspur FC
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
A North London derby where Tottenham are fully dominant over Arsenal
Tottenham to win 2-1
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho will be keen for his side to flex their muscles this weekend against an Arsenal side who look there for the taking.
Spurs will have been pleased with their point away to Chelsea last weekend, demonstrating their continued improvements made in defence which kept them at the top of the table over their nearest rivals Liverpool.
At home this weekend, Spurs will want to play on the front foot, as they did against Manchester United, and take advantage of Arsenal’s weak centre.
The Gunners have not impressed consistently enough this season, losing five of their opening 10 matches which represents their worst ever start to a Premier League season.
It is sure to be a pulsating clash, with both teams desperate for a win though for very different reasons.
Form Guide (all comps): WWWDD
Reasons to be cheerful:
Longest unbeaten run in the league
Haven’t conceded in three league matches
Reasons to be fearful:
Arsenal played brilliantly away to Manchester United
Tough fixture schedule could put strain on fitness
Jose Mourinho is unbeaten at home against Arsenal, a run which stretches back 10 matches. Spurs themselves haven’t lost a home match to their closest rivals on the last six occasions.
Those stats mean Spurs will certainly be favourites in this one, but often form goes out of the window where derby matches are concerned.
Arsenal won’t need any extra motivation to pick themselves up for this one, so Spurs will need to be at their best to come away with victory.
Kane faces a race against time to be fit, after missing out in midweek due to a muscular injury, though is expected to be fine. He and Son are arguably the league’s two best players currently.
A number of others, including Vinicius, Reguilon and Alderweireld also face late fitness tests.
Star Man – Harry Kane
Loves to score against Arsenal, having done so 10 times in his 13 matches against them.
Form Guide (all comps): LDWLW
Reasons to be cheerful
Europa League form has provided some relief
Thomas Partey could return from injury
Reasons to be fearful
Recent record against Spurs and Mourinho is poor
Struggling to score goals
Arsenal’s struggles have been well-documented this season, especially of late when they have only won one of their last five league matches, leaving them floundering in 14th position.
It looks set to be another frustrating season for Arsenal fans who have spent year after year waiting for their club to return to their former glories.
After winning the FA Cup, they seemed to be on the right track, though this has gone steadily downhill since.
Their lack of goals is alarming, with only two league goals scored in their last six matches. Forward players, such as Aubameyang, Lacazette and Pepe, just haven’t been able to contribute in the same vein as previous seasons.
Spurs under Jose Mourinho will present a major test for Mikel Arteta’s men this weekend, with a potential defeat leaving them 11 points off the top already.
Star Man – Bukayo Saka
Is likely to continue with Pepe suspended, the youngster brings plenty of energy
Should be a passionate match with the return of 2000 fans
Tottenham will smell a huge opportunity
Arsenal must be positive and take the lead if possible
Tottenham have been exceptional this season, though they are yet to be tested by going behind in a big match.
If Arsenal were to take the lead, it would be interesting to see if Spurs change their tactics to become more offensive.
The return of 2000 fans is likely to give some edge to this match, and one that could go either way even if Tottenham are the favourites to claim all three points.
Tottenham to win 2-1
