One of the largest rivalries in the Premier League will be battling it out this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.
With both sides fighting for spots at the top of the table, the match will not be short of entertainment. Arsenal comes into the game with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Liverpool where Mohamed Salah tore the team’s struggling back-line apart, while the Spurs come into the game with a 1-0 loss to relegation favorite Newcastle.
Based on form in the first three matches of the year, Arsenal has the upper-hand. The Gunners won their first two matches and lost the most recent game at Anfield. Tottenham have only won a single game, 3-1 over Aston Villa. They drew Manchester City 2-2 in what looked like a sure loss until Gabriel Jesus’ 94th-minute goal was called back by VAR.
Arsenal’s defense will need to be more organized and hold their ground if they want the win over their North London rivals, as the attack of Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Christian Eriksen, and Lucas Moura can cause problems. But the Spurs will have to be weary of the threatening Arsenal attack as well, with Nicolas Pepe looking outstanding in his debut, as well as prolific goalscorer’s Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
If Unai Emery has learned anything from his side’s defeat to Liverpool, it is to not let the fullbacks dominate the attack. The narrow formation chosen at Anfield freed up Trent Alexander-Arnold to push forward as play deadly balls into the area. The Spurs have pacy fullbacks that can help support the attack as well as track back when needed.
Predicted Lineup:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
With what was seen during the Liverpool match, Emery should switch back to the favored 4-2-3-1 that was used in the first two matches of the campaign.
The back-four will stay the same, other than Sead Kolasinac coming in for Nacho Monreal with the Spaniard linked with a move away from Arsenal before the end of the European transfer window.
Joe Willock has been outstanding this year in midfield, and the youngster will bring the homegrown passion to the North London rivalry. Lucas Torreira scored the lone goal against Liverpool and scored against the Spurs last year in midfield.
Dani Ceballos will have all of the creative freedom should Emery place Aubameyang, Pepe, and Lacazette around him going forward. The Arsenal attack should cause issues for Tottenham the entire 90 minutes.
Score Prediction: 2-1 Arsenal
The home advantage will push the Gunners past Tottenham, in a fiery battle full of chances. Both teams will play beautifully going forward, with all of their issues arising in defense. Hugo Lloris and Bernd Leno will be called upon many times, but Arsenal will grab two with goals from Aubameyang and Pepe. Kane will score the lone goal for Tottenham but they Spurs will go home empty-handed.
