Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur preview, predictions & possible XIs
With the Premier League now four weeks in, the first North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is on the horizon.
Both sides will be looking to bounce back from defeats at the weekend and go into the international break with the early bragging rights.
Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign was ended by Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, with Unai Emery’s men overrun in a 3-1 defeat.
https://audioboom.com/posts/7354781-emery-must-resist-his-crystal-palace-tribute-act-to-punish-unsettled-spurs
Meanwhile, Tottenham were shocked at home by Newcastle United, with Joelinton scoring the only goal of the game in north London.
Both these two teams will be aiming to get the better of their rival this weekend and keep any title hopes alive, with Liverpool and Manchester City currently occupying the top two spots.
But who will come out on top this weekend?
Read on for our predictions, key players, TV info and team news ahead of Arsenal vs Tottenham.
When is Arsenal vs Spurs and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: Sunday, 1 September
Kick-off: 4:30PM BST
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Premier League & Sky Sports Main Event
Last five meetings: Arsenal vs Tottenham
2 March 2019: Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal
19 December 2018: Arsenal 0-2 Tottenham (League Cup)
2 December 2018: Arsenal 4-2 Tottenham
10 February 2018: Tottenham 1-0 Arsenal
18 November 2017: Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham
Aggregate score: Arsenal (DLWLW) 7-6 Tottenham (DWLWL)
Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.
Ones to watch
Arsenal: Nicolas Pepe
Nicolas Pepe was handed his first Premier League start for Arsenal at the weekend and, despite the defeat, came out looking good. The Ivorian winger is already a threat to defenders with his dribbling and pace but, once he finds his feet, he will no doubt hurt teams with goals and assists. And what better time to start that than against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Key stat: No player has completed more take-ons in the Premier League this season than Nicolas Pepe (12).
Tottenham: Christian Eriksen
Could this be Christian Eriksen’s final game as a Tottenham player? The Danish midfielder’s future has been the topic of conversation for the entire summer, and there is still doubt as to whether he will remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the European transfer window closing on Monday. Eriksen has started just one game for Spurs this season but changed the game when coming off the bench against Aston Villa on the opening weekend, and will want to go out on a high if he does leave.
Key stat: Christian Eriksen (6) has created more chances for Tottenham than any other player in the Premier League this season.
Team news
Arsenal
Aside from long-term injuries, Arsenal have no new fitness concerns, so any changes from the Liverpool defeat will be purely tactical. After missing out on a start at Anfield, Alexandre Lacazette may hope for a recall, with Joe Willock potentially dropping out.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, David Luiz, Monreal; Xhaka, Cebellos, Guendouzi; Pepe, Aubameyang, Lacazette.
Tottenham
The big talking point for Tottenham will be whether Christian Eriksen will start on Sunday with his future still in doubt. But, given he did start the big game against Manchester City, the Dane may find himself back in the team. Spurs will also be hoping Kyle Walker-Peters and Tanguy Ndombele shake off their injury problems for the short trip.
Predicted XI (4-3-2-1): Lloris; Walker-Peters, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Rose; Ndombele, Winks, Sissoko; Eriksen, Son; Kane.
Squawka Prediction
North London derbies have been split quite evenly over recent years, with both sides enjoying wins. As well as that, both teams had some weaknesses exposed in defeats last time out, but Arsenal may be slightly more worried about which David Luiz turns up. If he’s not on his game, the Brazilian will be given the run around by Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Arsenal 1-2 Tottenham