Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: North London Derby Preview | Prediction | H2H | Team News

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview

This Sunday will be action-packed with lots of drama as we head to the Emirates Stadium for the North London Derby. Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will be hosting Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur in the 189th North London Derby meetings between the two sides.

As things stand, Arsenal are tenth, while Tottenham Hotspur are seventh, five points adrift of Chelsea who are fourth. However, Spurs do have a game in hand but that would only help them if they go on to win it.

Arsenal were confident in their latest outing in the Europa League against Olympiacos, winning 1-3, and they are now in a comfortable position to proceed to the next round. For Tottenham Hotspur too, the midweek game was a comfortable triumph with a 2-0 scoreline against Dinamo Zagreb.

Considering their positions in the league and the fact that the top ten spots have a lot of unexpected holders, winning the Europa League would be the best way for both the London sides to cement a place in the Champions League.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Head to Head

This North London derby is of immense value for both sides as their record head-to-head is equal with nine wins each, while seven have been drawn. 

Their last five meetings have witnessed a Tottenham Hotspur bias with three wins, while the other two have been drawn against Arsenal. The gunners need a big performance now to get back on top.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League Form

Arteta and co have won 11 of their 27 Premier League clashes this term and have tasted defeat for precisely the same number. However, the fact that 11 defeats are just one less than relegation-threatened Fulham, and the same compared to Brighton and Hove Albion, who are on the verge of dropping into the relegation zone, Arsenal have a lot to think about.

Arsenal have been pretty decent of late, with victories against Leeds United and Leicester City but their draw against Burnley was mere as the Clarets created some clear-cut chances but failed to capitalize.

While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was on the scoresheet, Granit Xhaka's error disrupted Arsenal's rhythm going forward, costing them a chance to take all three points.

Tottenham Hotspur have had comparatively easier fixtures and they have delivered on each occasion, winning their last five in all competitions and Gareth Bale's return to form has been more of a blessing for Jose Mourinho's side. With five points and a game in hand, Tottenham are not far away from Chelsea but this North London derby could both the London clubs if Jose and co drop all the points.

In their last five games in all competitions, Arsenal have won thrice, lost once, while two have been drawn. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur are unbeaten in their last five, while the sixth was a loss against West Ham United, courtesy of a Jesse Lingard winner.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Team News

Arsenal have an opportunity to go all guns blazing with a fully-fit squad. A lot of changes is not what Arteta would plan but the return of Pablo Mari would be instrumental in settling the heart of Arsenal's defense.

For Tottenham, Giovani Lo Celso is a concern, while North London derby's top scorer Harry Kane is likely to start despite the late knock he sustained in the midweek Europa League clash. Tottenham will see their usual rotation at work, with Sergio Reguilon, Matt Doherty, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg back in the starting XI.

Tanguy Ndombele is likely to be given the nod over Harry Winks.

Arsenal Probable Playing  XI: Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Mari, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Pepe; Aubameyang.

Tottenham Probable Playing XI: Lloris; Doherty, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Bale, Lucas, Son; Kane.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Prediction

North London derbies have been very unpredictable lately, with both sides having good potential to have a go at each other. Tottenham winning the last two means Arsenal do have more to fight for, and if they manage to get out from Tottenham's counter-attacks well, we may see the North London becoming red.

Sportco predicts Arsenal to win tomorrow's North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.