Tottenham vs Arsenal Preview

• Arsenal or Tottenham to win (no draw)
• Saka to score or assist

North London Derby History

The Premier League’s return after the international break is headlined by one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as Tottenham and Arsenal square off in the North London derby for the 65th time in Premier League history (TOT: W15, D25, L24).

This fierce rivalry has favoured Arsenal in recent years, with Spurs managing just one win in the last seven meetings (D1, L5).

Ange Postecoglou’s side has had a tough start to the campaign (W1, D1, L1), but the return of key players Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven from injury should provide a much-needed boost.

With Spurs eager to kick-start their season, there’s no better occasion than a derby win to get the fans back onside.

Tottenham’s Home Form and Derby Struggles

While Spurs have struggled in recent derbies, their home form in the Premier League has been solid.

Tottenham have not drawn any of their last 22 league games at home (W15, L7), a run that dates back to April 2023. This suggests that a stalemate is unlikely, and Spurs will be gunning for a win to relieve the pressure on Postecoglou and set the tone for their season.

Arsenal’s Squad Challenges

On the other hand, Arsenal enter’s the derby with a solid start to their campaign, but injuries and suspensions have created selection headaches for Mikel Arteta.

Arteta, who signed a new three-year contract ahead of this clash, could be missing up to six first-team players, including key figures Declan Rice, who was sent off against Brighton, and captain Martin Ødegaard, who picked up an ankle injury during international duty.

This fixture could be a test of Arsenal’s squad depth as they aim to mount a serious Premier League title challenge this season. Despite their selection issues, the Gunners have been formidable on the road.

They’re unbeaten in away league matches in 2024 (W9, D1), with eight clean sheets in those ten games, showing that they thrive away from home.

Key Players to Watch

James Maddison (Tottenham)

Maddison will be crucial to Spurs’ hopes of victory, especially after his impressive performance in last season’s derby, where he assisted both of Tottenham’s goals in a 2-2 draw.

However, Maddison has a poor personal record against Arsenal, failing to win any of his last five head-to-head encounters (D1, L4). He’ll be determined to change that narrative in this game.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka has been instrumental for Arsenal in previous North London derbies, scoring in both of their league meetings last season.

While he’s enjoyed success against Spurs (W5, D1), all three of his defeats have come at Tottenham’s home ground. With Arsenal missing key players, Saka’s creativity and goal-scoring ability will be vital for Arteta’s side.

Conclusion

This North London derby promises to be a thrilling contest with both sides facing different challenges.

Tottenham will look to leverage their strong home form to get back on track, while Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested in the absence of key players.

Given the stakes and the rivalry, this fixture could go either way, but Arsenal’s strong away form and defensive solidity give them the edge in this crucial clash.

Prediction: A close-fought contest, but Arsenal could edge out a narrow victory, with both sides likely to score.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Spurs v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League