Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to bitter rivals Tottenham in the latest edition of the North London derby on Sunday, with both sides under pressure for different reasons
The North London derby is arguably one of the most important games of the season for different reasons. Mikel Arteta's side currently sit top of the Premier League but have had a couple of wobbles over recent weeks.
Victory against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur would see them once again underline their credentials as potential champions. Defeat, however, could seriously derail their charge towards the trophy.
In the meantime, Spurs need the points for themselves as they aim to avoid a shock relegation to the Championship. They sit 16th in the table and just five points clear of West Ham. Igor Tudor is the man entrusted with the task of guiding the club away from the drop zone.
But which way will Sunday's North London berby go? Mirror Football's writers have their say.
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Daniel Orme
Put simply, Arsenal are a far better side than Spurs and the sheer chasm between the two sides in the Premier League table is indicative of that.
But that doesn’t really mean too much in a derby. Spurs will be desperate to hit the Gunners’ title hopes with another bruising blow.
And Mikel Arteta ’s side are certainly vulnerable. The defensive solidity that they displayed earlier this season appears to have abandoned them and there’s no doubt that Spurs will be aiming to take advantage.
It looks likely that there will be goals during the game, with Spurs also struggling to keep them out. I don't trust either of them to be able to keep their cool and get over the line.
It's going to be a thrilling draw which will not do either side any favours.
Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal
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John Cross
The North London derby is always passionate, highly-charged and vital to both sets of fans.
But rarely is it so important to the clubs for such different reasons. Tottenham are in serious danger of getting sucked into a relegation scrap while Arsenal desperately need a win to get their title challenge back on track.
The trouble for Mikel Arteta is they look cooked. Arsenal looked drained mentally and physically at Wolves. They have not been playing well for a while and they look vulnerable.
They also look edgy and nervous. Arsenal are clearly struggling under the weight of pressure and expectation.
This all presents Tottenham with an opportunity to prey on Arsenal’s title jitters. Yes, they have injuries but Igor Tudor spoke with a passion to fire up his players and they will be ready for the challenge.
That is why I fancy Spurs for a game they have had more time to prepare for. Arsenal have played three times since Spurs’ last fixture. By contrast, Tottenham will be up for the challenge and the atmosphere will be crucial if the fans can sense an opportunity.
Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
Andy Dunn
Arsenal will not choke in their bid for a first Premier League title in over 20 years - but they might falter. Physically falter.
Make no mistake, the toughest opponent for Mikel Arteta’s side is their schedule. Spurs might well have a shocking injury list but whoever Igor Tudor fields will be raring to go.
Since Spurs last played, Arsenal have played three times. That could be the most important factor in this edition of the North London derby.
Arteta has rotation options and a bigger and better squad. That superiority will tell for large parts of the contest.
But Tottenham’s freshness will also tell and, combined with any sort of new-manager bounce, should be enough to cause the Premier League leaders some problems.
Arsenal will control matters early on but expect a Spurs revival as the game wears on. In fact, expect a re-run of the recent Manchester City match.
Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal
Which way will the North London Derby go? Share your predictions in the comments below
Neil McLeman
This is a huge, and potentially pivotal, match for the Premier League leaders. Win and their season is back on track. Lose and there is a danger of going into a tailspin.
Tottenham’s domestic season is now all about avoiding relegation - and stopping their North London rivals winning the title.
It promises to be quite an atmosphere where the big names in the Arsenal team need to step. So expect big games from Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and the two centre-backs - and a hard-fought Gunners victory
Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal
Ben Husband
Arsenal looked utterly dreadful in midweek against Wolves. They looked completely restricted and scared to kill the game off.
Whether that’s the pressure of the title race or just exhaustion after a busy period, both of those factors will be at play again this weekend.
Had Tottenham kept with Frank for one more game I’d fancy Arsenal to get right, but the change in the dugout could spark a much-improved performance.
Spurs don’t have much to play for in the league this season, I’m fairly sure they won’t be anywhere near the bottom three come May. And so sticking another dent in Arsenal’s title bid would rank quite high on the priority list.
I expect them to do that. Expect the pressure to keep cranking up.
Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal
Nathan Ridley
If Arsenal were to pick a game to show they're not willing to bottle this title, it's the North London derby. The Gunners wiped the floor with Thomas Frank's side in the reverse fixture but this one should be a lot closer.
Arsenal's defence has been more porous of late but their attack far still outweighs that of their hosts. They've also won their last three games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so it's recently been a happy hunting ground for Mikel Arteta.
Igor Tudor's appointment will no-doubt have put Spurs' players on notice, and he knows how to get a tune out of teams quickly, but I can only see that lasting so long before Arsenal's quality shines through. I'll go for a narrow Gunners win.
Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal