Preview and Prediction
It is the expected north London derby but it may be less tight than the previous seasons as both sides are not involved in a title race or competing for UCL spots. Each will have their own objectives and their positions on the standings are far from each other. Spurs under Mourinho is now leading the table with 21 points while The Gunners are slumped to a mid lower table with seven points behind their local contenders.
The teams’ previous games
Tottenham secured one place on the next stage of Europa League but failed to win over LASK on the road in the midweek. They were held in a 3-3 draw. Peter Michori gave the lead for the host but Gareth Bale and then Son Heung Min overturned the scoresheet. Yet, more goals to come in the last ten minutes as Jonathan Eggstein levelled the term. Afterwards, both sides scored one more goal each by Delle Alli’s penalty and Mamadou Karamouko.
Arsenal also sealed one ticket to the round of 32 after smashing Rapid Vienna 4-1. Alexander Lacazette, Pablo Mari, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Rowe scored their winning goals while the Austrian side only responded once through Koya Kitagawa
Possible tactic
Mourinho is still likely to be confident of opting for 4-2-3-1. Yet, Harry Kane and Sergio Reguilon are doubtful to be fit on this derby. Thus, Son will be featuring as the targetman supported by Gareth Bale and Steven Bergwijn on both wings.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 seems to expose their defensive frailties. He might be in need of deploying 3-4-2-1 again to overcrowd the midfield area as well as limit the space of Son Heung Min and Harry Kane to penetrate their defence line. Pierre Aubameyang and Willian are still the best choice to occupy the frontman and attacking midfielder role while Dani Ceballos could be pushed slightly forward to anchor the attack as well as the first wall to block Spurs’ attack.
Players to watch
Spurs might still be relying on the Korean international, Son Heung Min as the main scorer. Yet, it will not be easy if Harry Kane missed the match. Thus, Gareth Bale is expected to take armband as the leader in their attack accompanied by Lucas Moura and the Dutch Steven Bergwijn
Arsenal’s key men are still the senior ones such as the 31-year old Pierre Aubameyang and the former Chelsea man Willian who is the current top assist provider this season. The young figure to watch in their squad is their new signing at the back, Gabriel Magalhaes who has registered two goals in the Premier League.
Tottenham vs Arsenal Prediction
The Gunners are looking for a way to bounce back after their two consecutive defeats in the Premier League. Yet, it would certainly be challenging to pick up win in the away fixture as here. Mourinho’s men have bigger motivation to stay on the top of the table. Thus, Son Heung Min and Co will come out as a winner in the end.
Betting odds
It is meant to be a tight clash as usual despite their positions in the standings. Spurs’ odds to win are at 17/16, whereas Mikel Arteta’s men are backed to win at 3/1. The odds for a draw result are at 27/10.
