Arsenal
Arsenal enters this North London derby under a lot of pressure, as they have struggled both offensively and defensively in recent matches. Mikel Arteta’s team has suffered two consecutive losses, which led to exits from both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, despite looking like serious contenders for trophies early in the season. First, the unexpected defeat against Newcastle in the EFL Cup, followed by the disappointing match against 10-man Manchester United in the FA Cup, has left a mark on the team’s morale and confidence.
In the last match against Manchester United, Arsenal was abysmal in attack, with Kai Havertz missing several good chances, while Gabriel Jesus once again suffered a knee injury, which could keep him out for some time. Additionally, injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu further complicate matters for Arteta, who will likely have to experiment with formations and tactics.
However, Arsenal has strong defensive foundations, and at home, they are very solid. Although they are without a win in their last four matches in all competitions, they have managed to keep a clean sheet in their last four Premier League matches at home, which could help them maintain stability against Tottenham. In midfield, Odegaard, Partey, and Rice provide the necessary control, but Arteta must find a striker who can capitalize on the chances that come their way, and Havertz needs to show much better form than he has so far.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou has shown erratic form. While they were strong in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinal against Liverpool, that hasn’t translated into consistent Premier League results. Despite winning the first leg against Liverpool, Spurs have gone four matches without a win, and they remain in the lower half of the table, which doesn’t reflect the overall impression they’ve made this season. Losses to Manchester City and Newcastle, along with a disappointing draw against Bournemouth, have worsened their situation.
Tottenham’s defense is one of their biggest issues. Injuries to key players like Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Cristian Romero, along with the absence of Guglielmo Vicario, have created a significant defensive void that opponents have exploited. In their last several matches, Spurs have conceded goals almost regularly, and in 25 consecutive away Premier League matches against Arsenal, they have failed to keep a clean sheet. Moreover, their attacking line, led by Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke, looks unprepared to take responsibility in big matches, while Richarlison is out of form.
Although they defeated Newcastle in the FA Cup, it was a match in which they didn’t shine, and against a weaker team like Tamworth, they struggled until extra time. While they have attacking potential, it won’t be enough if they don’t improve their defensive play. They will need to address significant issues in defense if they want to withstand Arsenal at the Emirates, especially given their past vulnerabilities, which Arsenal could exploit.
Betting Suggestion
Bet: ARSENAL WIN (1)
- Arsenal is the home team, and although they are under pressure after recent results, they remain a very strong team at home. Despite their poor recent form, Arsenal has a solid defense, especially at the Emirates, where they have kept a clean sheet in their last four league matches.
- Tottenham is in poor form, with major defensive and attacking issues. Injuries to key players, especially in defense, make them vulnerable, while their attackers aren’t performing at their best. In recent matches, their attack has not been efficient enough, and they clearly need more than individual moments of brilliance to beat a team like Arsenal.
- Arsenal should capitalize on the weaknesses of their rivals and secure an important win, especially as they will be motivated to end their negative streak and stay in the race for the top of the table. Additionally, Tottenham will be under significant pressure, as a defeat could push them even lower in the standings, and their defensive issues could prove decisive.
The odds for an Arsenal win are favorable, especially given that they are the favorites at home against a weakened opponent.
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