Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Dachbet
With north London bragging rights up for grabs on Sunday afternoon, all eyes will fall on the Emirates when Arsenal host arch-rivals Tottenham.
Arsenal
Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have once again been forced to settle for another silver medal finish among England’s elite last season, it is no secret that Mikel Arteta’s men are pencilled in as a standout contender to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since back in 2004. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a four-point buffer at the top of the table, the Gunners have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Despite being last seen heading into November’s international break with a 2-2 stalemate away at Premier League newcomers Sunderland, Arsenal have won each of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. With their sights set on completing an iconic domestic sweep this season, Arteta’s side will be confident of making another title statement here.
Arsenal Team News
Limping off with a reported thigh issue while away with Brazil during November’s international break, Arsenal are expected to be without defensive talisman Gabriel Magalhaes here. Likewise, picking up a hamstring injury prior to the fortnight interval, the Gunners are sweating over the fitness of big-money summer recruit Viktor Gyokeres.
Dealing with what has become a mounting injury list behind the scenes in north London, Arsenal will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke and skipper Martin Odegaard on Sunday afternoon. Finding the net in four of his previous six appearances for club and country, England international Bukayo Saka will play a leading role in the final third.
Tottenham
As for the visitors, while Tottenham might have initially enjoyed a bright start to life under new boss Thomas Frank, Spurs have struggled to find any real stability. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak at home against Manchester United prior to November’s international break as they eventually had to settle for a dramatic 2-2 stalemate in north London, the former Brentford has come under some recent scrutiny. Getting November underway with a toothless 1-0 loss against historic rivals Chelsea, Sunday’s guests have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Likewise, not registering consecutive victories since the middle of September, Spurs should be bracing themselves for another stern examination when they travel to the Emirates this weekend. It should also be noted, Tottenham have lost their last three straight Premier League battles against the Gunners by an aggregate score of 6-3.
Tottenham Tottenham Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season after undergoing knee surgery over the summer, England international James Maddison remains on the sidelines. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Spurs will also be unable to call upon the likes of Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma and Ben Davies.
However, dealing with a minor knock prior to the international break, summer recruit Mohamed Kudus could be handed an immediate recall. Despite struggling to find his feet since arriving from RB Leipzig, fellow new arrival Xavi Simons should keep his spot from the start on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Key Factors to Consider
- When Arenal and Tottenham last met for a Premier League showdown on January 15th, the Gunners collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- In fact, Arsenal have won their previous three Premier League meetings against Spurs by an aggregate score of 6-3.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in all of their last 11 appearances across all competitions (10 wins, one draw).
- Spurs have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all fronts.
- England international Bukayo Saka has registered four goals in his last six appearances for club and country.
Conclusion
Marking their return from November’s international break holding a four-point buffer over the chasing pack, Arenal will be confident of making another title marker here. Winning 10 of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions and suffering just a single defeat so far this season, Sunday’s hosts should be relishing the chance to make another title statement on home soil. Landing a 2-1 win when they last welcomed Spurs to the Emirates back on January 15th and winning their previous three Premier League battles by an aggregate score of 6-3, we are backing a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: Dachbet